Adopt a American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed

Rugby- We all remember Rugby, yes? 

Over the winter, we were appalled when we saw a dog who was surrendered to the NYC shelter sitting and waiting to die. The condition he was in was mind blowing. He was in excruciating pain from having mange since he was a puppy. For three years he only knew the feeling of cracked, raw bleeding skin. He was emaciated on top of all that.  could his owners look at him every day like this and not help him? We knew this dog was never going to survive the shelter, so we pulled him without blinking an eye. We rushed him to our emergency vet office and Rugby literally almost died. His immune system was so low, he caught kennel cough which quickly developed into pneumonia. They did X-rays and discovered he had a blockage in his intestines which was also unimaginable pain on top of a severe skin condition. Rugby was starving TO DEATH. Thankfully he had surgery which removed the foreign objects he swallowed and survived. But that was only half the battle. 

Since he was never really able to feel well enough to act like a dog, we found he also was struggling to know how to behave. He was acting out, so we sent him to one of our awesome trainers. Our hearts broke all over again when we heard what Julio had to say: 

"Meet Rugby. This handsome guy came to me a little over a week ago when I saw him for the first time my heart sank. Dog's may not have a voice but their eyes and body language speak volumes. He has to be one of the worst cases of abuse I've seen. So afraid and unsure he has learned to survive by following his instincts. Physically , mentally and his very soul seemed to be broken. It was difficult to get a slip lead or anything else around his neck as he would screech and cry, throw himself on the ground like a shark at the end of a fishing line. He would hold the leash with his paws and try to chew it off. In the photos you will see a different dog,  a happier trusting pup. I use the slip lead so that he can get used to it. You will notice too I'm constantly handling and touching him so that he can get used to be handled without being nervous. He's progressing nicely I pray he gets a good home he deserves that and more!

As you can see, Rugby has made tremendous strides and he is going to be needing a foster or adopter! He is doing well with other dogs, loves car rides and gives kisses! 

To foster or adopt Rugby, go to Nycsecondchancerescue.org