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Ernie had been abandoned in a city apartment by his owner's for over a month. He and another dog were left to survive on their own without any human intervention for endless weeks. Complaints from the neighbors regarding noise and smell had become common paperwork over the years for city Animal Control since the tenant had previously been housing several dogs. It wasn't until the two abandoned dogs chewed their way thru the wall into a neighboring apartment when they were able to be rescued.

 

 

 

 

 

Ernie and his housemate were rescued by CT. Animal Control and the female was surrendered to the ABA Rescue Program for rehabilitation and evaluation. Their first day, each dog (purebred adult Bullmastiffs) weighed only 65 lbs and suffered severe emaciation and dehydration.

The two were in extremely poor condition but Ernie was worse for the wear than his housemate. He was kept in the care of Animal Control until he could be properly evaluated and could sustain proper veterinary care.

 

After three weeks, Ernie's slight improvement allowed for his release into our ABA Rescue Program. He had obvious signs of terrible physical abuse and was weary of his temporary caretakers. His health was very slowly improving but it was unknown whether Ernie would be strong enough to travel the long road of rehabilitation ahead of him.

 

Ernie was given all the comfort in the world while he was in foster care. He was fed as good as he was willing to eat (which included all the home cooking one could want). He spent his days relaxing in the yard with green grass cooling his belly. 

Ernie found comfort in his new "home" and was found playing with toys, chasing imaginary friends and barking and bouncing at tiny bugs. He found happiness in his old soul and was sure to share that feeling with his foster mom. Ernie spent most of his days parked in "his spot" in the yard watching the day go by with his endlessly wagging tail.

 

 

Ernie's heart was bigger than he was ever willing admit. His trust of humans had been abused beyond repair. His temperament was bruised and his only defense was to react with aggression when he felt threatened. His apologetic nature and sweet soul had been captured behind a wall of fear and natural defense. 

Ernie's defense was only getting stronger as he was gaining comfort and physical strength. His past, filled with abuse and neglect, would be the cause of his unfortunate ending. 

April 25th, 2002, 7 year old Ernie was laid to rest in the care and comfort of his foster mom's arm. His courage and struggle to survive will remain a memory and we will all be reminded of Ernie each time a new Rescue case is brought into our care. Ernie lived and suffered thru a difficult life, and was fortunate thru the efforts of ABA Rescue and CT. Animal Control to have wonderfully happy times in his last few weeks.

 

Rest in Peace little Ernie! Thank you for sharing your silly brindle smile with me...                 

~Mari, CT. Bullmastiff Rescue Volunteer

 

 

 

 

A heart of gold stopped beating,
two shining eyes at rest,
God broke my heart to prove,
he only takes the best.

God knows you had to leave me,
but you did not go alone,
for part of me went with you,
the day he took you home.

To some you are forgotten,
to others just part of the past,
but to me who cared and lost you,
the memory will always last.

~M. Hannigan

 
 

click here for poem written by Jim Willis 

 

Current Listing of Available Rescue Dogs

 

 email me: I'd love to hear from you ~ BULHAVEN@AOL.COM

 

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This page was created for sweet Ernie by his foster mom, M. Hannigan.

For suggestions or comments contact: Bulhaven@aol.com