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The Pet We’ll Never Forget — A Rescue from the Shadows of Dog-Fighting
This is the first New Year in a decade without our beloved affectionate, snow-white, hug-able, gorgeous English Bull Terrier, and we miss him dearly.
Our journey with ‘Garth’ began with an Irish TV news report in the autumn of 2014.
The top story revolved around the famous singer Garth Brooks, who had just made the shocking decision to cancel his sold-out three-night tour in Dublin, Ireland.
Much to the disappointment of his countless Irish fans, the singer had abruptly called off the entire event after being denied permission to add two more shows.
As we were about to switch off the TV, a heart-wrenching story caught our attention. A helpless dog had been discovered tied to a tree as a bait-dog on the outskirts of Dublin. He had been brutally attacked by other dogs and left to die.
If it hadn’t been for a compassionate passer-by who quickly alerted the Blue Cross, the dog would have succumbed to his severe injuries, which included a torn-open neck and multiple leg wounds.
The television screen showed a young, white, and bloodied Bull Terrier being tended to by a gentle veterinarian.
Without hesitation we contacted the news channel to offer a home to the injured dog. We had plenty of experience with bull-terriers having had them as family pets in the past.
We received an invitation to meet the brave dog at the I.S.P.C.A. National Animal Center, a remarkable facility nestled within the picturesque 88-acre landscape of rural Longford, Ireland. Established with the mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing animals who have endured cruelty, the center is a beacon of hope for countless animals in need.
When we arrived we found the white Bull Terrier had already endeared himself to the veterinary nurses. They had made a cozy bed for him in their office, keeping him…
