Dogsters, do you remember Courage, the German shepherd who was chained to a tree with no food and water in back of a Southern California home for five weeks? We posted on this poor boy several times after the story broke in April. He was down to 37 pounds when a good samaritan got him out of his “home” and into the hands of proper authorities. It was touch-and-go those first days, but Courage had excellent care and apparently an ironclad will to live. (The veterinarian who helped him those first weeks says Courage survived by eating dirt.)
I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for word about Courage, and I just found great news: Courage is doing wonderfully, and weighs a healthy, beautiful 85 pounds! That’s a far cry from those first frightening days. It’s hard to believe that the dog who could barely lift his head in the photo on the left is now this strapping, strong, happy dog. You can see more photos on his Facebook page, Courage Lives.
His former owner, Kimberly Nizato, was working at a veterinary hospital at the time. She has been charged with felony animal cruelty and is scheduled to appear in court September 14 for a preliminary hearing, according to the Orange County Register.
If you’d like a tale of hope to help you get through 2011, how about looking into Courage’s eyes on a daily basis? German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, the nonprofit that helped save Courage, has put together a beautiful calendar for 2011 chronicling Courage’s recovery. Proceeds will benefit GSROC and the countless dogs it saves every year. You can buy the calendar for $24.95 at Zazzle.com.
The cover is below. Those soulful eyes tell it all.
