NATE’S FATE

Nate once had a human of his own. She probably loved him at one time. But like a lot of animals, he ended up unwanted and on the streets. This gentle soul didn’t do well on his own. He was hit by a car. His leg was broken in two places. It would never be of use to him again. He roamed the streets of Houston, starving to death.

Eventually he was picked up by an Animal Control Officer. He was too weak to run away and he craved human affection. He was brought back to the BARC animal shelter. We photographed and promoted him. We knew two things right away. One, he was the nicest, kindest, most gentle dog in the shelter, And two, he was unhealthy, emaciated, and in pain.

During his two month stay at BARC, many people fell in love with him. People washed him, walked him, pet him, and showed him off. We called him Dear Sweet Nate. The problem? He was a black dog and he was injured. A little thing called Black Dog Syndrome stopped him from being adopted. Oh, it’s real. Black dogs are routinely passed over for other colored dogs.

Nate’s time had come and gone. He was LOS (length of stay). He was scheduled to be PTS (put to sleep). He was walked to Bay Dock and placed on the table. Just before the needle was placed in his leg, a BARC staff stopped the process. She led him back to adoptions. Still, no adoptions. Two weeks later, he found himself back on the table. The same person pulled him off the table again.

Then, I got the call. “I pulled him off of the table – twice. We have to do something.” So, we did. One of the fantastic vets was supposed to go on maternity leave. Friends of BARC had Nate’s leg X-Rayed. The decision was made that his leg should be amputated. And it was. But he bled badly. And he was already malnourished. He was not going to make it.

We rushed him to Vergi Houston where he received blood transfusions and medication for arrhythmia caused by blood loss. By the grace of God, he pulled through. It was touch and go, but he made it. And through the whole ordeal all he did was wag his tail and give his love and his heart. That, my friend is a rare thing.

From there, he went to Saint Francis Angels for rehab. He ate like a horse, built his strength up, fattened up, and walked around like he had all four legs. Nothing was going to keep this guy down. A month later, I picked up Nate and he spent the day at our office. The next day he would be travelling to Wisconsin with a wonderful rescue group called Hoping Fur A Home. And he did. And this time, Nate’s fate will be better. Because he will be going to a home where he will be loved for the rest of his life.

Nate’s fate rested in our hands. We almost lost him several times, but as with any extra-special dog, they always find a way to shine through hardships and steal their way into our hearts. Just as any special animal always will.

Was it worth? Hell yeah it was! Nate’s fate will be a good one – thanks to a lot of great people.

Godspeed, Nate. Oh, and don’t worry, you’ll be getting a Nate Update from time to time. And I expect it will put a smile on your face.

#NatesFate