Oliver’s story needs your help to complete.
“This one is coming home with me” said Animal Control Supervisor Homeier when she first laid eyes on the skin and bones pit bull “puppy” now known to everyone as Oliver.
Earlier that night, Oliver had been carried through the doors of a local vet by a good Samaritan. Starved, scared, and in distress; no one knew what his story was or where he had been but it was obvious that whatever the situation, it had be hellacious. After his transport to the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) and examination with shelter veterinarian Dr. Bennett, Oliver was given the absolute lowest health score due the condition of his, weak, starved little body. His nails were yellow and his mouth was full of ulcers, likely due to eating rocks out of desperation. Dr. Bennett immediately offered him three bowls of water, which he drank gratefully. He had a sweet, gentle nature and was clearly a survivor, and desperately needed immediate medical and emotional help. At approximately 10 months old, he weighed just 19 pounds, half of what a normal healthy dog like him should weigh.
Supervisor Homeier’s animal control team got to work investigating Oliver’s case. They put the word out, obtained local news coverage and offered a $5,000 reward for information hoping that any leads would result in the arrest of the abusers. As of today, this case has not been resolved and Oliver’s previous life still remains a mystery. But Homeier’s team are not giving up.
Oliver’s big heart and will to live prevailed
Over the weeks and months, Oliver healed and gained weight at Officer Homeier’s house.
At first he was timid and anxious, but he quickly found emotional support from his foster brother Ernie. He learned to play and wrestle, and he ate…and ate…and ate. In less than two months, he miraculously DOUBLED in weight!
While Oliver’s physical health had improved dramatically, emotionally, he was still so scared. His early life had not been easy, and he didn’t know that humans, especially strangers, could be kind and caring. Oliver was enrolled in the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation donor funded Behavior Modification Program and started working with the shelter’s behaviorist to help him overcome his fears and anxieties. He is slowly learning to trust, and he works really hard, and even though he still has a way to go, his sweetness, personality and ability to overcome overwhelming odds is truly awe inspiring to all those who meet him.
He has made such great progress and is so, so sweet.
Dogs like Oliver take a community of caring. The good Samaritan, the shelter vet, the animal control investigators, the caring foster family and the patient behaviorist all played a role to ensure that Oliver’s story will have a wonderful ending. But he’s not there yet.
Oliver needs one more final chapter to his story
At the time of this mailing, Oliver still needs a patient, safe, loving forever-home. SAS is not in any rush. There is no time limit. And we know that eventually someone will find it in their hearts to love and protect Oliver. He will find his forever home. But if you know of anyone who is searching for a little dog, with a big heart who has overcome incredible odds and just wants to be loved, Oliver would sure like to meet them.
Please consider donating today, and give animals like Oliver, the gift of lasting happiness.
Because of donors like you, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation helps ensure that animals like Oliver get all the time, care, and love they need to find the right, loving forever-home.
Because of donors like you, the shelter has nationally recognized, progressive programs for animal behavior, fostering and veterinary care. These programs need your continued support to help cats, critters and dogs like Oliver overcome incredible odds.
Consider making a donation today
A recurring donation can go even further!
And for every dog, cat and critter helped by the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation,
we wish you a happy holiday season. And if you can, please help a little dog named Oliver receive the biggest gift of all…a home for the holidays. You can find Oliver here.