Dedication: In Memory of Pokey
Pokey was rescued from a dog pound when he was about one year old. His
new owners wondered what to name this gentle giant. They say he poked
along so slowly on their daily walks, they decided to name him just
that--"Pokey." On one of those daily walks, Pokey betrayed his name.
Out of the blue he began to run wild and crazy and round and round.
Pokey had finally come to life!
No one knew where Pokey had come from, or what he had been through. His
new owners found that Pokey had several health problems and nursed him
back to health. They say even though Pokey was a very big boy, he was
a genuine sweetheart. He was loyal. He was loving. He was happy.
Pokey enjoyed sleeping in bed and especially liked his one on one time,
sitting on the couch, getting a lot of love and attention. Pokey was
a very special boy.
Two years passed since Pokey had found his new life. Then he started
going through behavioral changes. He wasn't the same dog. These
behavioral changes soon turned to behavioral problems. His owners were
at a loss. What could cause him to change so? Pokey became
increasingly unpredictable, and because of his sheer size and strength,
possibly dangerous.
His owners took Pokey to have a thorough medical exam, including a CAT
scan in hopes of finding answers. What they found was heart wrenching.
The CAT scan showed Pokey, at some point in time, had suffered a severe
blow to the head, possibly by a shovel. This blow was so severe that
it caused permanent damage. They also discovered that Pokey had
Distemper at an early age and suffered neurological damage. These 2
factors, combined, left Pokey's behavior too erratic and unpredictable
to be trusted. It was then they had to make the decision to release
Pokey from this burden of life.
Despite all the pain he must have been suffering, Pokey remained a
loving and loyal friend. Despite the abuse he obviously suffered
before he found his loving home, Pokey was able to trust people, to love
people, and let those people love him.
He is deeply missed, and will always be remembered with love.
I am telling Pokey's story, with permission from his owners, in hopes
of reminding all of us to please be responsible with our dogs.
They are depending on US to be sure they go to good homes.
Rescuers and breeders alike, please screen your homes.
Please ask questions.
Please do home checks.
Please, remember Pokey.
He didn't ask to be sent to an abusive home. Someone didn't care enough
to check.
The dogs don't have a choice, but we do.
This website is dedicated to Pokey and all the other dogs who have
suffered and died due to the carelessness and callousness of inhumane
humans.
Please choose to care: be a responsible owner/rescuer/breeder
