Update: Samson was adopted in late January! Any animal relief funds we receive will be earmarked for other dogs.
On August 8th Samson was brought in by our Humane Officer from a very unfortunate situation. Samson is a 14 year old male dog who was severely malnourished and abused. Despite his years of abuse Samson is a very loving and sweet dog.
Samson was an immediate challenge for our vet staff. One of his biggest ailments was his severe mange. Mange is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites, common external parasites found in companion canines. Samson’s case was so severe most of his hair was missing and he was covered in oozing sores. His collar was tight and causing severe sores and wounds all around the neck area. Samson also suffered from numerous masses and cysts on his body and feet. Additionally he suffered from worms and other parasites.
The WAHS vet staff immediately bathed him and began treating him for worms, infection, and skin disorders. He received special baths in Clorahexadine to help with the skin infections as well as strong doses of antibiotics and de-wormer medications. He also received vaccinations. Samson required daily care for weeks after he entered the shelter. And each day we thankfully saw him improving.
In late September Samson was put in a foster home. Fosters families take dogs who have health issues and give them a stable quiet environment to heal. WAHS pays for all the care and treatments while the dog is in foster. He flourished in his home and started growing back hair and putting on weight.
Samson recently was returned to the shelter. The current foster could no longer keep him due to lack of space with new family members moving in to the home. Ideally we would love to find Samson a forever home, but he can be placed in another foster home. The shelter is a very stressful environment for such an old dog. WAHS is currently looking for a forever home or foster home for Samson. Or consider a donation to our Animal Relief Fund to help pay for Samson’s on going care.
