ACE | A DOG STORY

On Friday, August 2,  a shih tzu was found in a trash dumpster by a worker in Kansas City.  The dog was found locked inside a carrier to die and suffered a significant head injury.  The dog was later named Ace and had a ‘fair’ prognosis at the time he was taken to Kansas City Pet Project where I volunteer.

When I initially heard this story I was overwhelmed with anger and sadness for what this tiny little creature.  I wondered what his life had been like to end up thrown out with the trash to die.  I couldn’t stop thinking about Ace so I decided to channel my anger by giving Ace a voice through documenting his progress.   The first time I met Ace it was difficult to see him just lay there but I had hope for him. Even though he wasn’t able to move much or walk,  I prayed that he would have a full recovery as so many of you did.   Someone was listening because he was placed in a foster home that had both an Occupational AND Physical therapist!

I had my second meeting with Ace a few weeks later and I LOVED seeing him walk around so happy!!  He still had some residual brain damage, would fall a bit, and was having seizures but he was doing so much better.  I got a video of Ace running a few days later and it melted my heart.

I had my final ‘official’ session with Ace yesterday…a month from the worst day of his life.  Ace is lively, handsome, loving and most of all, happy. He isn’t having any more seizures is enjoying the finer life and loves to run around, belly rubs, and treats.

Ace has gone from being thrown out in the trash to being nurtured and rehabilitated in a loving foster home.  I still have a difficult time comprehending how anyone can intentionally hurt an animal and just how lonely and abandoned he must have felt.  We are fortunate that he has forgiven humans and learned to trust again.  I continue to pray that the perfect forever family will come along to provide him with love and never have to worry again.

I want to thank the worker who saved Ace from dying in a dumpster,  Kansas City Pet Project, Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, Fairway Animal Hospital, and the many others who have been praying and sending well wishes for Ace.  Because of the support system he has had he will have his second chance at a happily ever after.  I also want to thank Ace’s foster family for providing the continual updates, pictures, video and time for me to tell his story.  You are a remarkable family!  Fostering is such a gift to homeless animals.   It has been so personally rewarding to watch Ace improve that I wish I could do this for every animal I encounter…because they all have a story to tell.   <3

 

Ace then & now….

 

 

UPDATE:

I  am so happy to show you Ace’s new forever family.  Gary & Jenny have welcomed Ace into their lives where he will be loved forever.  All of our prayers and dreams for Ace have been answered.  Thank you all so much for your support, concern, and lovely messages over the past month as I documented this story.  Here’s to a happy ending!

Photo credit:  Kansas City Pet Project