Adopt a Shelter Dog Month: Dante From Texas Healed and Ready for Adoption
A sweet 9 year-old Chihuahua named Dante, who needed extensive orthopedic medical care due to a severely broken tibia and fibula, is ready for adoption. Dante’s caretakers are hoping he will find the perfect family during October, known as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.
Dante was among seven dogs transferred to San Diego Humane Society from Texas to receive advanced medical care and alleviate shelter overcrowding. The dogs from Palm Valley Animal Society in Edinburg, TX, arrived Sept. 15, 2021 via ground transport coordinated by Team Shelter USA, Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program and Veterans Pet Rescue Express.
The shelter in Edinburg was unable to provide the surgery Dante needed, so when asked, we instantly offered our expertise. Veterinarians at San Diego Humane Society’s Pilar & Chuck Bahde Center for Shelter Medicine amputated part of Dante’s right leg. They also performed dental surgery and placed him on treatment after he tested positive for heartworm. The dogs were also housed at our Behavior Center to give them a quiet space to decompress from their journey and for some overcome mild fear-based behaviors. Dante is feeling much better now and is a very happy, sweet dog.
“When shelters elsewhere need our help, we always step up if we can,” said Zarah Hedge, DVM, VP of Shelter Medicine & Chief Medical Officer at San Diego Humane Society. “We just recently sent one of our shelter veterinarians to assist Palm Valley Animal Society in Texas, as they were in great need. It takes a village in the animal welfare world and we are grateful that we are able to share our knowledge and expertise.”
Three of the seven dogs from Texas have already found their homes. Another is currently in foster care awaiting his dental surgery. That leaves three dogs now looking for new homes:
- Dante (761159), a 9 year-old Chihuahua.
- Markus (761156), a 1 year-old Pitt Bull Terrier.
- Nectar (761160), a 3 year-old Boxer.
San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego. To view animals currently available for adoption, visit sdhumane.org/adopt.
Published: October 9, 2021
