Horses Are Our Thing—But These Dogs Needed Us
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
MEET HARLEY & QUINN
Last week, during a routine trip from our barn in Pilot Hill to our used tack store in Shingle Springs via Hwy 49, something very un-routine happened—two lil’ creatures were spotted on the highway in the distance. First thought, they looked like bear cubs. As they came into better view, it became more obvious they were dogs, now along the side of the road.
We couldn’t leave them there, especially not in that condition. It was after normal work hours, and it wasn’t something any of us would be able to drive past and ignore (though dozens of vehicles did). After pulling onto the large shoulder area, they were fearful and retreated into a densely wooded ravine, and they disappeared.
They were grossly matted, covered in foxtails and other pricklies, and it appeared they’d been fending for themselves for quite a long time. It was obvious they needed some help. After hanging out for a bit, watching, waiting, and battling mosquitos, they resurfaced. A call to the barn, barely a mile back, requested help with a couple of crates and some dog food.
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When they finally came back up on the pad area, they wandered, scavenging for food. Passively keeping them off the highway and safe was top priority, though the male pup picked up something that looked like a ball of tinfoil. Despite trying to get him to drop it without scaring him off, it disappeared, and one can only assume he swallowed it because it was nowhere to be seen, even with a trip back to the area the next day.
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Help arrived, and given plenty of time, each pup walked into a crate to get to a little bit of food. We brought them back to the ranch where they are now enjoying fresh water, quality food, lots of love, and a safe place to rest.
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In the morning, after some patience and trust-building, they began to relax. Their kind lil’ souls came to life. We were able to scan them for microchips. One was detected. The microchip company contacted the listed owner (an Orange County contact/address). We followed up and sent an email to listed owner, and a stray animal report was submitted to the County along with a photo of the two. We also sent an email and photo to the local vet asking if anyone recognized the dogs as patients. No luck identifying any owners, yet.
It was the ball that changed their world. It must have been the familiar link with human touch.
After calls and paperwork submitted, we went to work.
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About five hours and 15 pounds of hair and mats later, we had two incredibly lovely dogs that just wanted love and attention. Without the excess fur, the girl, Harley, weighed in at 31 pounds and the boy, Quinn, at 39.
Over the following week, Harley and Quinn had…
-grooming for two
-nail trims for two
-three vet visits
-exams/assessments
-abdominal xray for one (no aluminum foil ball)
-vaccines for two
-heartworm+ tests (negative) for two
-6 months of heartworm meds for two
-simple foxtail removal (ear) for one
-sedation for one
-multiple foxtail probes/removals for one (including three of four feet, forearm, chest, armpit, neck, tonsil)
-oral antibiotics
-ear medication
As you can imagine, vet care costs added up quick. We may have a couple follow ups between foxtails and boosters. If you’d like to help, we’d appreciate your support. This will ensure we can step up next time we’re needed.
Besides being dumped, we can all think of at least half a dozen less nefarious scenarios of what may or may not have happened…lost while camping/rafting, escaped, stolen, owner passed away, etc…we’d like to think there’s a happy ending reuniting with family, but those hopes are dwindling. There are still many good animal-loving people, and we’re hoping for the best. It’s obvious Harley and Quinn were once loved, they have some basic training, they are very well behaved, and they love to play ball. These two are very bonded, and no doubt they helped each other survive.
Your donations, volunteering, adopting, and social media shares & likes really do make a difference; it’s what makes all of this work possible!
Thank you!