Ferdinand R.I.P.

This is Ferdinand. He was left in the night-drop box covered in fleas and open sores. His feet were almost webbed from having stood in a moist, unclean environment for way too long. We bathed Ferdinand, administered a topical medication to kill the fleas, rubbed his feet, gave him some food, a bed and a soft blanket, and showed him what love means, perhaps for the first time in his life. Ferdinand's medical problems were too severe to treat, having been compounded by years of neglect, so we had to let this sweet boy go to doggie heaven, where he will never have to worry about being mistreated ever again. This posting is in memory of Ferdinand, and serves as a reminder that every tender touch, soft word, and soothing comfort, whether it be medication, food, or a snuggly blanket means so much to our dogs, many of whom have had very little of anything in their lives before finding themselves in the safe haven of our shelter.