November 4, 2004

Abused and abandoned

Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary seeks assistance with medical costs for canine family

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

When Suzie was found abandoned, the 3-year-old Rottweiler was wandering the street by an auto junkyard in South San Jose. She had lost all trust in people. She scurried and hid from human companionship but accepted food and water deposited daily by Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary [SHAS] volunteer Diane Cascia who noticed the black and russet canine cowering at a construction site. After three weeks, the gentle giant accepted a kindly pat on the head, which turned into loving strokes, followed by a chin scratch and then an excited, wagging tail. At last, Suzie was ready to be rescued.

Suzie with her four puppies.

But Suzie’s trials were not over. On the day of the rescue a severe limp of her foreleg was discovered. She was rushed to a veterinarian and diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Immediate surgery was required to correct the painful injury and eight to 10 weeks of recuperation. SHAS didn’t have funding in their budget. A generous and dedicated SHAS volunteer loaned the $1,700 needed for the procedure until donations could be raised.

Two weeks later, Suzie still recuperating at a SHAS temporary foster care home, her guardian noticed heavy panting, a bloated belly, pale gums and tongue and an infection oozing. Rushing Suzie to the veterinarian, X-rays revealed that she was pregnant and required an immediate cesarean section. Hours later, four puppies survived out of a litter of 10 and an additional veterinarian bill for the heroic efforts to save the canine family.

“It’s so hard to believe there are people so cruel and callous as to dump a wonderful, loving dog like Suzie,” said the SHAS volunteer who preferred to remain anonymous. “She is a wonderful mom and just wants to be your friend. She would duck and cower at the slightest movement when she first came to us. Obviously, someone was very abusive to her. She hardly flinches now, and when she does, recovers very quickly.”

SHAS began three years ago and was founded on the belief that no animal should go hungry, homeless or live in fear or pain. The sanctuary believes that all animals deserve to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect and provided with care that increases their opportunity for a safe life. Their mission is to offer care and a peaceful living environment in foster homes for abused, physically handicapped, aged or homeless animals, providing them with medical care, love and attention that will lead to adoption.

SHAS is a nonprofit organization and is staffed entirely by volunteers with all funding through private donations and corporate sponsorship.

Suzie remains in a SHAS foster care home recovering from the surgeries and caring for her four surviving puppies until they are all ready to be adopted.

To make a donation for Suzie, send a check to SHAS, 21265 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 205-427, Cupertino, Calif. 95014 or call 408-420-7233. Their Web site is www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.org. All donations are tax deductible.

Donations are also accepted at the Pet Adoptions Fairs, every Saturday12:30-4:30 at Pet Club, 5625 Snell Ave., San Jose.