Romeo is one of six Danes rescued from an owner in Chesterfield, SC. He was the father of four and mate of their mama. All of these dogs are in dire need of help. After the litter was born 14 months ago, the owners had no time for them, so they were left to live alone, all together, in a pen without human contact. They are terrified of people, but are coming around in rescue. All of the dogs had mange, intestinal worms and were underweight. The pups all had to be caught on a catch pole as even the owner could not get them to come to him. Romeo was shot in the leg over 3 years ago. His injuries included a broken radius and a chipped ulna. At the time, the vet recommended referral to a specialist and amputation of the leg. His owner refused all medical care and Romeo was left with his leg in this condition until he came into rescue last week. Romeo's foot bends backward at the wrist and he has been walking on top of the wrist all this time. His leg is swollen and infected and the weight of it has pulled his shoulder until the ligaments and tendons are stretched beyond repair. This is one of the sweetest Danes ever to come into rescue. He never complains about his leg, and allows me to do whatever I need to do to it. How this dog remained so sweet is beyond reasonable comprehension. Romeo is scheduled for an amputation next week, as it is now too late to salvage the leg. (The surgeon says it could have been salvaged before the tendons in the wrist became as tight as they are.) Romeo is not currently available for adoption, but if you would like to donate to Romeo's care, please visit our home page and click on our donate button.
UPDATE - Jan. 25, 2007: Romeo is a robust, energetic, playful Dane who is not slowed down in the least by the loss of his left front leg. He is healthy, affectionate, loving, and funny. He is currently being the puppy he was never allowed the opportunity to be. He is learning how to play without his paw. He has substituted his mouth for his paw, and we are working on his using his mouth gently. Romeo needs a home with someone who can handle a full-grown dog playing like a puppy. In time this phase should pass, as evidenced by his long periods of sleeping on the couch and the bed. Romeo needs a home with minimal stairs.
