Wounded Shepherd Mix Gets Second Chance

Thursday, March 7, 2013 - 1:00pm
Wounded Shepherd Mix

On February 1 on the Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota, as the temperature plummeted to -29 degrees, Tribal Police Chief Kenneth Washington responded to a call about a dog in trouble. A Leech Laker known for her love of animals, Teresa Gunter, had reported a wounded dog, reeling in pain outside in the cold.

When Gunter showed Washington the weak, bloody shepherd mix, he was alarmed: The dog couldn’t even lift his head off his paw. “His eyes were sunken in,” Washington recalls. “I thought he might die.” He knew he had to help.

Two years ago, this story wouldn’t have had a happy ending. But because the Tribal Police go the extra mile for animals and work with a project called Leech Lake Legacy, there was hope. The project transports animals in need from the reservation to shelters and rescues around Minnesota that can provide life-saving veterinary care, rehabilitation and adoption.

This transport project is supported in part through a special ASPCA program that helps cash-strapped municipal animal care agencies move more dogs to safety.In the last six months alone, we’ve helped the Tribal Police get hundreds more dogs to safety.

The night he found the dog—named Nibi—Washington called Leech Lake Legacy right away. The next day he was on a transport to safety.

Today, just over a month after Washington rescued him, Nibi is thriving, getting healthier each day. He greets people enthusiastically and likes to put their fingers in his mouth as his special way of “holding hands.”

Nibi’s story doesn’t make headlines, but it’s one of millions in which the ASPCA is honored to play a role.

You can help us reach more animals like Nibi by making a gift today. You’ll help us be prepared to go wherever animals need us, whenever they need us. We can’t do it without you.

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Critical Transport
We Were There

Comments

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 22:32 — Arlene A (Visitor)
Great! - always nice to know there are people with hearts out there.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 14:45 — Joan (Visitor)
from: Joanie, I love animals very much I am so happy that a good person and a faithful police officer save the life of this magificnat german Sherpard. I lost both of my beloved german shepards with 25 years of my life. God pless this devoted german sheaprd. I am donating a small amount to the USA of America SPCA for the care and devoted action of your people that safe the lives of all these previous animals. God bless, Joanie

Mon, 03/11/2013 - 20:53 — Susan (Visitor)
I was very impressed with what you said Joanie. I lost my German Shepherd five months ago. I adopted her from a local shelter when she was a year old and loved her every minute of every day. She was my best friend and I miss her terribly. How people do this to innocent animals; I'll never understand. I too bless this animal, she had the will to live and I hope to God that someone good will come along and make her their forever friend.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 09:45 — Roe (Visitor)
Is there any news on the who did this to the helpless dog?

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 09:49 — ian s (Visitor)
http://leechlakelegacy.blogspot.com/2013/02/nibi-needs-our-prayers-and-support.html

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:55 — Caryn (Visitor)
There seems to be this type of abuse going on all over. This animal abuse must be stopped, & I'm sure it can be. People who do this to animals must be punished, & fined.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 11:54 — Valerie Orner (Visitor)
Dear Caryn, I couldn't agree more with your comment! Thank God there are people like you who care enough to help implement these changes by speaking up for animals. Val

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 15:17 — Karen Witty (Visitor)
It is too often forgotten that people who abuse animals often are abusive toward other people as well. Instead of having lighter penalties or no penalties our governments should have really stiff penalties for animal abuse partly in the hopes of preventing the murder of humans.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 23:06 — Stacey (Visitor)
I agree. People must be punished for abusing animals. The unfortunate thing is our justice system. The laws are not strict enough. The laws need to change and become tougher on these abusers.

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 13:48 — RICARDO (Visitor)
I AGREE WITH U AND I ALWAYS TALK ABOUT IT LAWS SHOULD BE STRICTER AND TOUGH DARN! THANKS FOR SPEAKING OUT

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 11:48 — Nannette Musumeci (Visitor)
I just wanted to know if the person involved in this terrible act was caught and brought to justice.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 09:47 — Nancy D. (Visitor)
So sad to read about this injured shepherd mix but glad his story has a happy ending b/c people cared about this injured dog!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 09:47 — Joan kinder (Visitor)
Thank you for all your hard work and wonderful that Washington survived xxxx

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 09:50 — Kim (Visitor)
Way to go to all those that helped this most precious puppy dog. My heart goes out to all of you particularly to Nibi, what a darling face. How can anyone hurt these animals. It literally kills me every time I read a story like this. I am so thankful there are more caring and loving people than cruel. This could have been a very sad ending but lucky for him it seems like it will be a very happy ending for him. Coodoos to Nibi, Teresa and Kenneth you are all very wonderful and special!!! YEAH!!!!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 11:12 — Marg Diotte (Visitor)
I echo your comments exactly. Amen and God bless all of you who help and not hurt these wonderful animals.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 09:55 — Theresa (Visitor)
I was in tears to read this story. Who could do that to a harmless animal. I am glad he is ok.

Mon, 03/11/2013 - 11:25 — Stef (Visitor)
This story of Nibi happens all over the world and never should happen and I'm so thankful for the rescuers, but to the comment of "Who could do that to a harmless animal" well cruel humans do it every second of every day in the slaughterhouses and much much worse. I wish everyone could see what they do to all those harmless, beautiful, feeling and helpless animalS. Nobody wants to know what really goes on in factory farming (PAIN AND SUFFERING). EVERY animal should be treated kindly and with respect. Just because they do not have a voice humans think we can do whatever we want to them...well IT'S ONLY "US AND THEM" in this world we should protect ALL ANIMALS.

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 10:05 — Savanna (Visitor)
I love all animals and seeing them hurt makes me so mad.I sometimes I wish I could jump into the tv and be right there to help them as well

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 09:57 — Debra (Visitor)
This story makes me cry with tears of happiness. This dog is very special. A big thank you for making this happen.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 09:57 — Susan Fanning (Visitor)
So glad he's doing better. That poor baby. So glad there are still good people in the world who don't turn their backs on animals. God Bless those people!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:00 — Lynn Selmser (Visitor)
So happy Nibi got the second chance he deserved. My greatest wish is that all animals in need could be rescued and given the love and care they deserve.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:02 — Beth (Visitor)
Thank God for caring people. Now don't stop until you find the person or persons responsible and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Only then will things improve. Some people are heartless and twisted and deserve major jail time.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:08 — diane hobson (Visitor)
Thank God my pal is doing better. I am a lover of dogs and it is always nice to hear of happy endings.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:09 — Shirley (Visitor)
I am soooo very happy to hear that Nibi was found and survived the whole terrible ordeal. It always is so comforting to know that good people are out there are helping like in this story of Nibi's. He deserves the headline and a wonderful home with someone that is equally deserving of his companionship.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:12 — Barbara Lynn Nuestro (Visitor)
Once again, I am mortified at the cruelty human beings can subject a defenseless animal to. I"m so proud to be an ASPCA supporter. Thank you for saving this beautiful dog.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:14 — Patricia Purcell (Visitor)
im so glad that Nibi is doing well. i can't believe that someone would've shot this poor dog and leave him to die. i hope he finds his forever home soon. i know there will not be a shortage of people wanting to adopt him.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:15 — Jan (Visitor)
Will Nibi be up for adoption? What a wonderful, wonderful boy. Thank you to all who gave him a second chance.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:15 — Ronn Bennett (Visitor)
i have lost contact with the dog underground rescue transport

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:20 — Brenda Tucker (Visitor)
Thank you all for your caring hearts to saving these special beautiful gods animals!! I live in West Virginia and I'm a single woman that has rescued and saved several animals in need also having seven rescues of my own that were all in bad need. I get them vetted ,spayed/neutered and have placed them in great loving 4-ever homes. I would so much love to donate to you all for your service but just doing what I do here limits me to do so!! Where In West Virginia we don't have ASPCA !! I so wish we did because there are so many abuse cases left unaddressed !!! They don't care here so , thank you and I pray you get donations to keep on saving!! I don't ask or get any help with what I do for animals, nor do I charge for adoption fees, I just make sure they only go to safe homes and I do home checks and follow ups!!!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 12:16 — KAIE (Visitor)
YOU ARE AMAZING TO DO WHAT YOU DO FOR THE ANIMALS AND TO NOT CHARGE FOR ALL OF THE CARE THAT YOU GIVE AND SHOW TO ALL OF THE ANIMALS THAT ARE IN NEED OF HELP AND TO GET THEM INTO GOOD HOMES AND DO THE FOLLOW UPS...KEEP UP THE GOOD AND AMAZING WORK !!!!!!!!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 12:16 — KAIE (Visitor)
YOU ARE AMAZING TO DO WHAT YOU DO FOR THE ANIMALS AND TO NOT CHARGE FOR ALL OF THE CARE THAT YOU GIVE AND SHOW TO ALL OF THE ANIMALS THAT ARE IN NEED OF HELP AND TO GET THEM INTO GOOD HOMES AND DO THE FOLLOW UPS...KEEP UP THE GOOD AND AMAZING WORK !!!!!!!!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:22 — Margaret Heekin (Visitor)
Another example of the extremes of human behavior. Unspeakable cruelty and Amazing Love. Nibi looks so sad and confused. I have rescued three Dobermans and these creatures truly don't understand why they were abandoned...God Bless the healers and helpers.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:22 — Lynda (Visitor)
I live in MN and know sometimes the Indians get a bad rap, but this story just goes to show they have a great love for animals. I'm so proud of them! I hope whoever did this awful thing got caught and punished for it! Our laws are just not strict enough when it comes to animals and their welfare. As the Humane Society says, "We are their voice!".

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:26 — Margo (Visitor)
Thank you so much for all the great work you do for and with all these animals. It so said that any can be so hearless to hurt an animal

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:27 — chandra (Visitor)
Way to go ASPCA!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:30 — bartthegenius (Visitor)
How anyone can shoot a dog and leave it to die in sub-zero temperatures I cannot fathom. The cruelty people inflict on helpless companion animals will never cease to amaze me. I would be concerned about whoever did this to this dog because to me it shows they are a heartless, cold-blooded monster. On another note, very glad that the lady found this dog in time to save it, he probably didnt have much time left.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:33 — Alison Baker (Visitor)
What a marvellous job the Tribal Police are doing. The work that you and they dfo is invaluable. With wishes for a wonderful forever home for Nibi thank you.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:36 — grace (Visitor)
im glad people still caring for animals, u can see in the animals eyes when they suffer, hope people respect more animal's life they don't kill just for fun like human, we have to pay more attention to them and love them will live more peacefull and happy

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:36 — nick iacoviello (Visitor)
May our lord Jesus Christ bless you for all you do...

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:43 — Donna (Visitor)
Native Americans have the right idea. Blessings to them who help God's creations.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:43 — sandra (Visitor)
So very happy he has a loving home .. god bless all

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:43 — sandra (Visitor)
So very happy he has a loving home .. god bless all

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 10:44 — Debbie Santelli (Visitor)
I live in Stillwater, Oklahoma home to Oklahoma State University.A neighbor across the street has been trapping and killing cats for the past 15 years he has lived there. His name if Jeff Blocker and works for Oklahoma State University int he Fire Protection Publication Dept. The Animal Control and Police know he is doing this and do nothing to stop him. When I call the police to report animal crying as he torchers them, the police threaten me. So they make sure they do not get another phone call. Debbie Santelli

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 12:06 — Autumn (Visitor)
I can't believe that, that person has been trapping and killing cats all these years and NOT ANYONE HAS DONE ANYTHING TO PREVENT THIS FROM CONTINUING ! WITH ALL THE INFORMATION YOU DISCRIBED STILL NO HELP? Can it be your not contacting the RIGHT athorities on this, I'm justa saying that's crazy all those years of murdering helpless cats and notone other person is interested in stopping it! Well keep up your investigation, take picsn vidio record become a voice in this massacar of felions. Wishing you much success in this mission. DON'T GIVE IN OR GIVE UP

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 12:06 — Gigi (Visitor)
Please call the ASPCA or Humane Society in your area and report this dangerous man immediately! He needs to be stopped immediately. Also call your local newspaper and tell them you have a story for them about the police department ignoring your calls for these poor animals. Please let us know what happens.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 12:14 — Natalie (Visitor)
You're kidding, right?! There must be something that can be done! I'm glad you called the police, but please don't just stop there. I don't know what can be done exactly, but I would call animal organizations to ask. I would see if I could talk to the local newspaper... A man tortures cats since 15 years and nobody cares?! I think even me as a woman I would punch the crap out of that dude...

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 12:25 — Natalie (Visitor)
Call a TV station! The media alone has so much influence. If the public knows (and it doesn't have to stay only local) what a cruel man he is, who knows what can happen! People might confront him with that, maybe he gets into troubles with the university. In the end, it's a bad reputation for the university too! Get it on, don't be quiet about it anymore! I would definitely do it, I'm too far away though! But please do something about him!!!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 15:24 — victoria kallich (Visitor)
please contact either animal control or the aspca or the humane society. how about all 3. and i agree with the person who said contact the media. one can only hope the this creep gets his in a big horrific way.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 19:04 — Linda Noll (Visitor)
Like others - I would contact the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, the news media, your town selectmen that are not doing the job if the police refuse to do theirs ( a lot of small towns, like mine - the police report to the selectmen) - I would go higher if the police will not intervene. Do not let up!!! Those cats probably ONLY HAVE YOU to get them some help!!!!!! Are there other neighbors that have been witness to the same things? Ask them for help to call the SPCA also - more than one voice helps also! If the local area does not help - go to the state! I have had to work things all the way up in this state of Massachusetts. Other problems - that one small voice does not count. It will if you go up the ladder. I have and it did!

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 21:58 — Michael (Visitor)
I don't live in OK, but I cannot just stand by and hear about this sorry excuse for a human treating animals this way. I've taken it upon myself to provide the information to three OK TV stations, and I hope and pray they meet up with you, Debbie, and catch this pathetic excuse for a human in the act, and charge him with animal cruelty, along with the authorities who appear to have know about it and done nothing. This means they are just as guilty, and deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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