OHIO - wonderful update on Joseph!!! Happy Birthday Big Boy!!!! MONROE — One year ago, a German shepherd was found chained to a tree in Middletown, starved, his body infested with fleas and ticks. On Saturday, that same dog was walking around the new Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) center wearing a funny birthday hat, chewing on a bone and posing for photos. It a celebration to mark the one-year anniversary since Joseph, renamed after the Biblical character who was left for dead and became a ruler, was rescued from a Middletown man who allegedly left the dog tied to a tree for four years. The owner, Jeremy Shane Temple, was charged with cruelty to companion animals, was jailed for five days and fined $150 in Middletown Municipal Court. After he was rescued, Joseph was treated at a West Chester veterinary clinic for his ailments that ranged from heart worm positive, fleas and ticks, ear infection and for 40 pounds under weight, said Tracy Gilchrist, executive director of PAWS. His teeth were cracked because he had chewed on rocks, Gilchrist said. Most of his medical conditions have been corrected, she said. “It’s one step at a time,” she said. Once the strength of his heart has returned, she said, Joseph’s teeth will be pulled and he will be on a liquid diet the rest of his life. When news of Joseph’s rescue spread, so did the outpouring of support, Gilchrist said. She said the German shepherd has received gifts, cards and letters from animal lovers around the world. Last week, a present arrived from Denmark arrived, she said. “He represents hope and healing for all abused animals,” Gilchrist said. “He’s solid evidence that if a community comes together we can make a difference. He deserves just as much compassion as we treat humans. Everyone wrapped their arms around him.” Probably no one more than Gail Corrill, PAWS treasurer. Already the owner of three female shepherds, Corrill has cared for Joseph since Oct. 31, 2013 and she will adopt him once he’s medically cleared by the veterinarian. Soon after Joseph was rescued, Corrill visited him and immediately feel in love. “He touched me; he touched the world,” she said. Corrill, who works out of her Middletown home, said she put her office desk inside Joseph’s cage. Just last month, for the first time since he was rescued, Joseph was allowed to walk outside without a leash. “He thinks he hit the lottery,” she said. “He’s just a happy and content dog.” As Corrill talked, just a few feet away, sat Joseph, 7, chewing on a bone. journal-news/news/news/local/chained-dog-touched-me-he-touched-the-world/nhX48/
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 03:57:04 +0000
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