A Chained Dog in Freezing Temperatures: A Call for Rescue
Animal control officers at the Monmouth County SPCA received a distressing report of a chained dog in Asbury Park, New Jersey. With freezing temperatures posing a serious threat to the animal’s well-being, the officers responded immediately. Upon arriving at the location, they found a senior dog tied to a fence, lying on the frozen ground. The sight of the dog, with his sad, tearful brown eyes, was heartbreaking.
Rescue and Initial Care at the Shelter
The officers quickly rescued the dog, wrapping him in blankets and transporting him to the shelter. The dog, later named Kristoff, seemed relieved to be in a safe and warm environment. Upon arrival at the shelter, Dr. Nicholette Runko examined Kristoff. He was so weak that he couldn’t even stand. With the help of a technician, Dr. Runko lifted him from his cage for a proper examination. The staff gave him a bath and provided him with initial care. Kristoff responded with affection, nuzzling his head into the staff members as they cared for him. “We gave him a bath, but he was really sweet and he was just nuzzling his head into ours for pets the entire time we were looking at him,” Runko recounted.
Medical Assessment and Recovery
The medical team estimated Kristoff to be between eight and ten years old. Dr. Runko believed that had he been left outside in the cold for much longer, he would have likely developed pneumonia. While it was unclear whether Kristoff had spent his entire life outdoors, his stiff joints suggested a prolonged period of exposure to the elements. He received antibiotics and pain relievers to address his medical needs. The shelter staff provided him with nutritious food and plenty of pampering. Thankfully, Kristoff responded well to treatment and gradually regained his ability to walk.
A Search for a Loving Retirement Home
As Kristoff spent more time at the shelter, staff members discovered that he had limited hearing and sight. However, these limitations did not diminish his enjoyment of spending time with his caregivers and soaking up their affection. His gentle and loving personality quickly won the hearts of the shelter staff, who were saddened by the neglect he had endured. They were determined to ensure that Kristoff would spend the rest of his life in a loving home. “We’re really happy that we were able to rescue him. Everyone here adores him and we all want, even if the rest of his life is short, we want it to be the best short life that he can imagine,” Runko stated. Once the necessary examinations were completed and his previous owner agreed to surrender him, the search for Kristoff’s forever home began. The shelter staff hoped to find him a loving family where he could enjoy a comfortable and happy retirement, finally receiving the love and care he deserved.
