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Dog Rescue Mission

May 25, 2006  

Glen called from Swedish Covenant Hospital pleading with tears for someone to rescue his 17 year old Chow, left tethered in the yard of his basement apartment for the past week while he was in a diabetic coma. Glen had called his landlord, who lived in the same building, a couple of friends in the suburbs, even his veterinarian, but no one would take the dog inside. That was the week of nightly thunder, lightning, rain and hail storms. Marijon and Katherine quickly set out, fearing the worst for Cindu, but not even wildly imagining the human cruelty of her condition.   

Someone had pushed the big Chow into a dog carrier with the opening against a fence so escape for a very much weakened animal who couldn’t even turn around inside was impossible. Cindu was only able to half-bark, then whimper in response to her name. She was covered with days of feces, urine, storm water, maggots, and flies.

Marijon had already called Dr. Janik at Chicago Pet Clinic who said without hesitation, “Of course bring her here.” Cindu was immediately started on IV fluids and antibiotics, shaved and bathed and comforted.  Her eyes expressed her understanding gratitude, and she enjoyed the warm loving care of her new friends for four and a half days. But her kidneys and her ravaged body finally overtook her amazing will to live and allowed her spirit to be released while she slept.

Glenn’s grief has been lightened with the knowledge that compassionate new friends understand what it means to be touched by a companion animal such as Cindu for 17 years., and have provided a measure of peace for both of them.