A few months ago, I posted an article about Gus, a Beagle found wandering in Seminole Heights by my friend, Ginny. She rescued him from a negligent owner, who was only too eager to abandon the dog after learning he was sick. Ginny contacted
Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue and they stepped in to help. A thorough vet check revealed that Gus was suffering the ill affects of an advanced stage of heartworms. Still there was hope that treatment would help him live a somewhat restricted, but happy life. He was treated for the heartworms and sent to a TBBR foster home, where his new "Mom", Sylvia treated him as one of her own. She had four other canines and Gus happily settled into their household. There were many touch and go moments for Sylvia and Gus, when he would have respiratory attacks that required vet stays. He did manage to get well enough to appear with the other Beagles looking for homes at Al Lopez Park. But that special person, the one who would give Gus a forever home, never appeared on his horizon. This week, Gus suffered what would be his final respiratory attack. His heart and lungs were just too damaged to go on.
My heart cries for Gus and the life of neglect he lived, but I am so grateful to Sylvia, Ginny and TBBR for scooping him up out of his awful environment and what would have been a painful death, endured without love or care. We often sing the praises of the work rescue groups do to find new homes for dogs. But the story of Gus proves they do so much more. My hat is off to you, Sylvia for taking a sick dog into your home, and treating him with love and kindness. Thank you TBBR for all the work you do to help Beagles, even the ones who may not have long to live. Lastly, thank you Ginny for having the courage to confront Gus' previous owner and save Gus from a horrible end.
