To say that Onyx is blossoming in his new family’s care is an understatement. He’s a different dog: chubby, happy, sassy, and glowing. His story is a study in contrasts and demonstrates how quickly being in the right home can roll back years of neglect and hurt. It’s the perfect subject for Responsible Dog Ownership Month.
Onyx, the before times
As I recounted in an earlier article, Onyx was near death when he arrived in 2021. At least 20 pounds underweight, he could barely stand. He just drank bucket, after bucket, after bucket of water. I remember how lost and hopeless he looked in the medical crate.
Onyx was the victim of not only irresponsible dog ownership but cruel and deliberate neglect. The many scars on his face and body spoke to a hard life. Had his owners forced him to fight? Used him as bait? At some point, someone had cut his ears, perhaps to make this gentle pitty appear more fierce. It’s not a professional job and must have been terribly painful. We don’t condone ear cropping, but there are more humane ways to do it.
His tail was intact, and so was he. No doubt his “caregivers” had bred him. What happened to his progeny? Were they now breeding too?
We discovered that Onyx had a B12 deficiency. Possible causes include age, genetics, malabsorption, parasites, and poor nutrition. Onyx was just barely a senior, infected with Giardia, and manifestly malnourished. His broken teeth suggested possible rock chewing, often found in starving dogs.
Onyx flourishes in the right home
A year later, he still clung to his Kong for comfort and required a daily B 12 supplement but was otherwise healthy, neutered, and ready for a new home.
Unfortunately, no one gave him a second glance for 15 months. Then on August 4, 2023, the miracle happened, Jennifer Dellet and her wonderful family happened. It was a perfect fit.
When he returned for a visit on September 5, Onyx jumped out of the car and headed straight for the main building, pulling his new dad behind him. He was just beaming as he greeted everyone with a big smile. It’s hard to photograph a wiggly black dog in bright sunlight, but I think his joy comes through.
We put him on the scale and he weighed in at over 7o pounds! A far cry from his original 42. Turns out Onyx isn’t interested in his Kong anymore, and even better, Jennifier says he no longer needs the B12 supplement! They’re monitoring him, but so far so good.
When it was time to leave, our happy boy was just as excited to leap back into the car, drink some water, and head home. Look at that happy face!
Responsible dog ownership is about making the right choices for your dog’s health, security, and wellbeing, such as spay-neuter, vaccination, microchipping, a healthy diet, a safe and secure environment, quality time, and love. Now in the right home, Onyx has what he needs and what all pets deserve.
