This pooch named Bridget was thrown off the Tips Park bridge. She has been nursed back to health and is waiting to be adopted.
Hales-Conard has no more room at her home to take in strays and is pleading with the community to take responsibility for their dogs. “Please don’t dump your dog. There are ways to take care of it,” said Hales-Conard. She said, “Call me at 361-449-6495 (cell) and I will help you find a home for your dog. You see, approximately a month ago, a resident of Three Rivers was traveling on the bridge on Hwy 72 over Tips Park [Three Rivers] when she noticed a bicycle parked on the bridge and what appeared to be a teenage girl holding a dog that was struggling. In the next instant, she watched in horror as the girl hurled the dog off the bridge. The resident was unable to stop to check on the dog but when she got home, she called her friend, Gloria Robbins, who went to the park and found the dog suffering from a bruised hip and severe mange but amazingly still alive.” Robbins took the dog home and named her Bridget. She cured the dog but cannot keep her. Hales-Conard and Robbins are looking for a home for Bridget. “Bridget is an extremely loving mixed breed, approximately four months old, looking for a special home. The fact that Bridget is still alive is what makes her a special dog,” said Hales-Conard.
Unfortunately, animal abuse and abandonment in Live Oak County has become an epidemic over the past several years said Hales-Conard. Dogs are being taken out to the country roads and dumped like garbage because they may have a “bad habit” like digging or barking. Many pet owners don’t realize taking in a new a new dog as a member of your household entails patience and love. They are lazy about training the dog, having it spayed or neutered, taking it to the vet, walking and exercising the dog, socializing the dog and the poor dog has to suffer because of it. If the dog contracts a fleas or a disease they are suddenly not wanted. However, fleas, mange and scabies are easily and inexpensively treated.
“People tend to think that the dog they dump will be taken in with open arms by the ranch or home where they were dumped. Well, let me tell you the reality of what the dog goes through. If they are lucky, there will be some sort of water source. Most are not so lucky. In searching for water and food most are hit by vehicles while eating road kill off the pavement. I have seen dogs licking the pavement just to get whatever is left after the buzzards have eaten what they want,” said Hales-Conard.
I want to let people know they have choices. Contact a store manager and set up a free puppy or dog sign in a store parking lot. Run an ad in the newspaper. Call friends and family. Find a loving home for the dog; please don’t dump them. Remember, “You can always call me [at 361-449-6495 (cell)] and I will help you find a home for your dog,” said Hales-Conard.
Soon we should have another vet in the county that specializes in small animal care said Hales-Conard. In the meantime, for those of you that have taken in a stray, I can help you get low cost spaying and neutering.
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