We got an email this afternoon that none of us could ignore, so Don drove out to the East Valley Shelter and met this sweet sweet boy that his foster, Kathleen has named Shane. .

We have an extremely emaciated Rottie that came in on Monday as a stray.  He needs an outlet ASAP to follow-up at FSV for diagnostics to determine what’s causing his condition.  It looks like he ate all the food that was offered upon intake. Today, he walked on leash and seems to be in good spirits despite everything.

From Don:

The staff were crying as they handed me his leash and I met this frail shell of a Rottweiler that just wanted to be held and comforted. You would think that shelter staff would be hardened off to the cruelty and neglect that they see multiple times each day. But, like you and me, they’re just people – and we all have our breaking point.

Shane was ours.

If you can help with his medical expenses, thank you SO much.

Update:

To all, thank you once again for the outpouring of love and support for this sweet boy. We’ve had people comment on the fact that he’s blind, but he is not. He has eyes and he can see. The starvation (or possibly some other problems we haven’t found yet) have cause his eyes to sink back into his head.

Throughout everything, this sweet boy – who has already been through so much neglect – only wanted to be held and told he was a good boy. He didn’t want us to stop petting him, and gave all of us his paw to hold while we did.

He’s currently receiving fluids just so he has enough blood to draw for tests. Please keep him in your prayers tonight.. ❤️❤️❤️

Update:
This is what the vets at Bethany are suspecting may be wrong with our new boy, Shane. Masticatory Muscle Myositis. We shot this video at the hospital of Shane eating and drinking so we can all see what the process is like for him.
 
Swollen, painful masticatory (chewing) muscles and an inability to open the mouth (trismus) are clinical signs of the disorder. “These dogs are not able to pick up a ball or eat without experiencing severe pain,” says Brian E. Greenfield, D.V.M., who practices at Animal Clinic Northview in North Ridgeville, Ohio. “In the early stages of the disease, the muscles that are used for eating and chewing appear swollen. As the disease progresses, these muscles begin to atrophy, or waste away. Sometimes the eyes appear sunken…”
 
Although MMM can occur in any breed, it occurs more commonly in large breeds, and although the disorder does not occur on a widespread basis, anecdotal data suggest that the incidence may be increasing.
 
The condition occurs in males and females, with an average age of onset of 3 years, though puppies as young as 4 months have been affected. More information is here.
Update from Kathleen (Shane’s foster):
Shane did GREAT last night! He’s house trained – woke me up to go potty this morning…has peed and this morning a BIG semi solid poop !!! (sorry for the tmi – but that is a great sign). He isn’t fond of the kennel and got his head stuck in it this morning – so he’s resting in our laundry room. He’s soooooo thirsty though and spends his time trying to drink water. I cooked him some of our husky’s raw diet food – and he ate it all.
Update 10-6-2017:

Shane was back at the vet today for a checkup. Since he’s been getting fluids via a turkey baster (works like a charm!) and sub q, all of the thick saliva and stuff built up in his nose was getting pretty gnarly. 😩

He’s gained 1.5 lbs! That’s huge for him. He’s got an amazing foster family that is taking the time to help him eat and drink.

His labs are back and surprisingly there is nothing significant, just a few values that show just how dehydrated he really is. He is Tick Fever, Heartworm and Valley Fever negative. Thyroid tests are all within normal limits. X-rays are normal.

He’s now on eye drops because he doesn’t blink. The nerves that are affected with this disorder are often the nerves that are responsible for the blink response. He’s also on antibiotics and will receive sub q fluids as needed.

Thank you to everyone who has donated and reached out to see how Shane is doing. We appreciate each and every one of you!!

Thank you Kathleen & Jaurnal for opening your home to this awesome boy!

A huge thank you also to our friends at the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911) for making Shane the recipient of a Heidi’s Healing Fund grant through their Critical Care Program. 🐾

Shane’s final update October 7th 2017:

Last night Shane passed away.

He seemed disoriented around 8pm, so his foster mom administered subQ fluids and he settled down afterward curling up into his bed. Kathleen chose to stay near him, so she brought her pillow and blanket downstairs and slept next to him.

To say that Shane was a street dog or a stray isn’t accurate and it’s not a fair way to remember him and his life. There was a time before he was found broken and homeless, and from the way he happily received the simple things that we give to each of our dogs, we strongly suspect that it wasn’t always like this for him. It couldn’t have been. Shane had a family.

When Don walked him to his car at the East Valley Shelter, and opened the door to the back seat, Shane immediately jumped in and made himself comfortable. He spent the 30 minute drive to the hospital presumably as he did when his family took him for car rides. He watched the other cars and trucks, admired the mountains in the distance and enjoyed the warm wind on his face.

At Kathleen’s home, he wanted nothing to do with a crate, preferring the comfort of his bed and the company of the other dogs and cats, so that when Kathleen returned home from work and opened the door, he could be there to greet her as he once greeted his family. A gentle nudge to the bed in the mornings would let Kathleen know that Shane needed to go outside.

The deterioration and sickness that all of us witnessed this week wasn’t Shane. It wasn’t the Shane that he wanted to remember, anyway. We choose to believe that this beautiful boy who all of us instantly adored and fought so hard for wanted to enjoy the car rides, his fluffy bed and, above everything else, the love of a family one more time.

Kathleen said “I wrapped my arm across him while he pressed his head into my hand. We went to sleep and he passed away peacefully in my arms.” Could this have been what Shane was holding on for? It’s what our companions are entitled to after all. A gentle hug with loving arms, a tender kiss and a whisper that it’s okay to go and that they have been loved deeply. As broken as all of us are feeling right now, it’s the one thing that makes this sad outcome palatable. Shane had that last goodbye.

We’ll miss you, Shane. You were a good boy. <3

 
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383 thoughts on “Shane”

  5. Our pleasure. We so appreciate you guys reaching out to us on these dogs. We can’t be there every day walking the kennels like we wish we could, so we depend a lot on the eyes and ears of the awesome staff and volunteers at the shelter. THANK YOU!! ❤️

  7. Shame on me for not saying it…..Thank you M.A.I.N for helping this beautiful furry soul he surely deserves all the medical care and love he will need. Even in his suffering I see his beauty.

  21. To all, thank you once again for the outpouring of love and support for this sweet boy. We’ve had people comment on the fact that he’s blind, but he is not. He has eyes and he can see. The starvation (or possibly some other problems we haven’t found yet) have cause his eyes to sink back into his head. He’s currently receiving fluids just so he has enough blood to draw for tests. Wish him luck.. ❤️❤️❤️

  27. Please donate if you would … Gina Barro Cory McDonald Tamara Diamond K Royal Teddi Swidinsky I just love this rescue …. beyond terrific in every sense …. please pay it forward to this precious soul and let’s thank MAIN together! ❤️

  31. Thank u for caring for this baby. Wish I the person that did this could br found. This dog may have been on his own for a while. How can they check on the 2 missing rotted from months back.

  57. Don Mertes… you know that I would just be crying too if i see him …but love you and thank you for all you do and having the sweeties heart and compassion….that’s why you will always be my brother!! love you honey!

  58. Ooooooh I am so relieved he will be under your care, good luck sweet boy you have wonderful people behind you, LOVE Medical Animals In Need (M.A.I.N.)

  59. Rotties are one of my most favorite breeds I miss my big guy . I don’t have the money to donate at moment, however if you are of a few hours a week volunteer time please let me know. I hope that predator falls in a pit of venomous snakes

  76. Donated. This breaks my heart. Treated so badly but yet so gentle. Praying for you Shane, may you know love and comfort for the rest of your doggie days.

  83. I can’t handle it… unreal cruelty out there….. fortunately we have good hearted, kind and strong people to protect those that need our help… big hug to this guy.

  86. Eric Williamson I kept thinking of you playing with your happy pups and how beautiful they are. It’s so tough to see one from the other side of it all.. 😓

  95. That’s so incredibly sad!! Where did you hospitalize him? How long do they anticipate him being hospitalized? I just can’t get over how he looks! Might be amongst the worst we have seen this year. I am sure he will feel better after being on iv support. Praying he has good labs and a chance to recover.

  98. He had a full IV this afternoon at Bethany, then came home with his new foster, Kathleen to enjoy the first of hopefully many nights under a roof and in a comfortable bed. When the blood tests come back, we will have a better chance to ascertain what might be wrong with this sweet boy.

  99. M.A.I.N. Has never, and probably will never, get involved with the prosecution side of any animal abuse cases. Our focus is 100% on the dog. We let the police and detectives sort all of the other business out, while we try to make up for whatever these pups have gone through in their past.

  105. Stay strong beautiful Shane. You are safe and loved now. So sorry you were treated this way. Bless you MAIN♥️. Is he able to see? Looks like his eyes are gone

  107. Those pictures are heartbreaking & horrific !! How he ever survived ??? Donated this morning … thank you MAIN for taking him into your care & providing him with medical attention & love & hope ! <3

  117. I went to Tempe’s county shelter Monday to donate blankets. I usually don’t have the heart to walk down the aisles to see all the homeless animals but today I did……this dog brought me to tears and I left heartbroken wondering how this could happen to an animal. Today I am in happy tears knowing he is saved by MAIN. Once again you guys save the day!!! Your work is truly amazing. Thank you for saving him and all the others!

  120. This is so sad. I would be interested to know his diagnosis. One of my boys (a miniature pinscher) has lymphoma. He has lost a lot of weight. I would never let him get this bad, and suffer so horribly. I would let him go with some dignity – and in the comfort of my arms at his long time veterinarian’s office. I hope this boy has an amazing outcome, and lives for many years now that he is with your organization! <3 Thank you for helping him!

  126. Medical Animals In Need (M.A.I.N.) She said she looked at that one and that he was to old to be one of their missing, YES they are still missing

  127. Is there a way for a donor to specify which animal they intend their funds for, ie. when they pay by check, or money order?

    God bless all of you kind people and the sweet little souls you work to save.

  129. Right now, his diagnosis is only an educated guess. We’ll have more tests back later today, but if it is as the vets believe, we’ll have a discussion to discuss his quality of life moving forward. One of our fosters has had a dog afflicted with the same disease that she has nursed back and who is thriving once again. It’s on a case-by-case basis of course, but there is still hope. <3

  132. Don Mertes, such a kind hearted thing, but had to be so hard to see this poor baby. There is such evil out there, that do these terrible things to poor defenseless animals. What amazes me is, no matter how these animals were abused, they still are willing to trust. Seeing Shane, and the condition he’s in, and yet offers his paw, just heartbreaking. Thanks for all you and this awesome organization do to save the animals. Wish I lived in your town, so I could help too.

  136. I met him yesterday and was absolutely shocked by his condition. And I have been in rescue for 18 years. He was still so sweet and giving me lots of kisses. I was planning on taking him tomorrow but am so glad he is with your wonderful rescue. He has been on my mind non-stop. Please let me know what you need and Scottsdale Pet Hotel is happy to donate. Thank you from the bottom of my heart❤️❤️

  137. A huge thank you to our friends at the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911) for making Shane the recipient of a Glimmer of Hope grant through their Critical Care Program. We appreciate all you do to help rescues help more animals in need.

  138. Thanks Laura. It is pretty shocking. He weighs 48 lbs, probably half of what he should weight. He’s a very nice boy, house trained, hopped right in the car when Don picked him up from the shelter. This tells us he once had a family that loved him. His foster family is working with him to improvise ways to help him to eat and drink easier while we figure this all out. 🐾

  139. i reached out to them today. She said she had seen your post but her dogs were chipped and the markings on her male were different. It was worth a shot.

  140. I’m literally crying knowing he safe in a home tonight. Please have his foster give him love from all of us. We will of course donate but let me know if there is anything else we can do to help. You guys are the best.

  143. Fara, Shane has a Fabulous Foster, Kathleen Hurley so he’s living the life and WAY happier I’m sure than he would be here with all these furbabies! <3

  144. It was TOUGH. Geez, we all spent the better part of the day in tears, but the spirit that we see in him leaves us even more resigned to finding the reason and ultimately the best treatment possible for this boy. I’ll keep everyone posted as we try to figure this out! <3 Thanks for your kind words and I wish you lived here too.. That'd be fun!

  145. Awww, that is wonderful. My heart broke at the condition he was found in, but I am happy that he has a wonderful foster mom to love him and bring him back to health.

  146. Awesome. I’m praying for his healing. He seems to still have spirit. Still so amazing that he had the strength to survive, until he was rescued. Not sure i could handle the heat! Lol

  151. Shane was back at Bethany Animal Hospital this afternoon and gained 1 1/2 pounds already.. And regardless how small a win it might seem, we’re SUPER happy about it!!!

  154. I hate to ask but with MMM this sever have they considered a feeding tube to rest the jaw muscles an steroids a feeding tube would help with nutrition hydration which is key to healing at any point.

  166. That news is about as good as it could be! This means Shane has hope for a good recovery! I’m so happy to hear this. Love and belly rubs to this sweet, brave boy!

  167. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Don Mertes… you and the crew are wingless angels! What a blessing you are too these neglected, damaged, forgotten souls… thank you for giving him compassion, healing, and hope!

  185. Thank you MAIN for giving him love and a chance to know there is more to life . RIP Shane. To the POS who did this ? Well we all meet our maker one day enough said

  191. A touching and beautifully written tribute to Shane. God bless you, Kathleen, for your loving heart, and your amazing compassion. The loss is so painful, but he felt so safe and loved as he finally let go. I hope you find peace.

  193. I am so sorry! I am crying just reading this. Thank you to all the volunteers that open up their homes and their hearts for however long we have them.

  198. I’m bawling, but you are so right to leave him with love and not what happened. He deserved to be somebody’s pup again, to have a home and family and peace. God bless your foster. She gave him the greatest gift

  219. OMG, what a sad ending, but Shane at least had some time with humans that loved him. Stories like this just tear my heart out. Run free Shane. Enjoy the warm wind in your face.

  225. I’m devastated. Was hoping to follow his road with MAIN. Will be donating in his memory. Thanks for the love you gave him. Happy he found love at the end. Dammit this sucks.

  230. Oh Shane… oh sweet boy. I’m so sorry it was too late to turn things around for you. You deserved a life where you could have been a pet, like you clearly were at one point. I’m so glad you left this life knowing that, once again, you were loved and safe and being cared for. Run free, handsome.

  239. so many pups who come to us neglected, sick, injured, and broken down, but I KNOW that’s not how many lived before they got that way. I am happy that we can take them in, if even for a brief time, so they can relive the lives they were used to. It’s like they live the good life again, and think “Oh yeah…THIS is how I used to live” then they go in peace. <3

  251. I am so sorry to hear this MAIN. There are no words to express how grateful many of at East are that you stepped up and tried to help Shane. If he had to pass, I am glad it was in the arms of someone who showed him love, showed him the power of human kindness. Hugs to all of you, Rest In Peace sweet boy.

  254. bless you and all those that touched his life in his last days and hours. he will always remember the rescuers. so sad, but the bridge welcomed him whole, happy and free of the earthly trials

  256. How sad :'( !! I wish he could have had an amazing life, never to experience hunger & pain again … I guess he has it now, just not here with us. RIP <3

  257. So very sad but yet beautiful too. Shane passed in the warm caring arms of his foster and felt love again. His story I am sure touched many as we donated, read the updates, and rooted him on. He was loved.

  265. Bless his little heart. As tears run down my face at the sadness I’m feeling, I know that Shane was waiting to feel love again. He got that. In his passing, he felt love around him. He didn’t even know how many loved him that he had never even met. He was a good boy.

  269. Absolutely heartbroken! Happy that he passed with love around him but still wishing the outcome had been different. Thank you M.A.I.N and his foster family for everything you did.

  270. I’m so thankful that he had his MAIN Family… I’m so thankful to all of you that loved him and were there in his last moments… I’m so sorry… 🙁

  275. I’m bawling! It’s not fair, it’s not right!! I was praying for a happy outcome for this boy.

    God bless you Medical Animals In Need (M.A.I.N.) and Kathleen for all that you did for this boy.

    RIP Shane.

  288. So happy he was loved and comfortable in his last days. Tears are flowing and my heart aches. I don’t know how you do this. But, I’m so glad there are those who can and do. Thank you!

  291. Heartbreaking as it is at least he was loved in his final days. How tragic it would have been for him to die alone in the shelter. Thank you for all you did.

  292. AWwwwww NOOO!!!…I was so hoping Shane would make it!!!
    RIP Shane, your suffering is over!! Your final moments were with someone that loved you…she held you until peace came upon your frail body. You will be sorely missed and our hearts are broken.
    You are gone, but NEVER to be forgotten!!! <3 <3 <3
    You have a place in all of our hearts forever.

  304. So heartbreaking. We’ve seen firsthand some of the most broken of bodies slowly healed physically through the gentle protective wings of M.A.I.N. but sometimes they’re so very ill that even the kindest group of humans cannot save them. Rest in paradise, Shane. Where you are the strong dog someone once knew.

  308. OMG….just saw this and so heartbroken. We’re so so sorry to everyone who tried so hard to give him a chance and loved him even though you were just getting to know him. Rest easy sweet Shane we wish it could have been different and you will always have a place in our heart.

  313. It lifts my heart to know Shane had a loving caring foster mom who gave him so much love. God Bless you Kathleen for giving what he needed and brought joy and love. God Bless Shane and may you enjoy running and playing at Rainbow Bridge. Hugs

  316. So glad he had Kathleen to hold him close and make him feel safe and loved as he left his earthly body. It sounds as though their bond was strong.

  318. Oh my gosh this just made me cry, I am so sorry to hear this and heartbroken for you and Shane’s passing. My heart goes out to all of you who loved him. May you be in a Beautiful Paradise Shane enjoying yourself with all the other puppies.

  324. Farewell Shane, wonderful that you lived and died with your loving family…..Blessed be. Shedding tears for Shane’s lovely life …..family is everything, livi g and loving life ..

  336. Oh, no. 🙁 I’m heartbroken. I’m so sorry to hear this, I thought he would recover. Don, you did so much for him, I’m so, so, sorry. Sending you love and hugs. For you, and for the other people who care so much for Shane.

  341. Thanks for all of the love and support for Shane, Medical Animals In Need, Kathleen Hurley and me today.. you guys are awesome and I ❤️ you…

  352. Shane passed away. I am so grateful the last few days of his life he was loved and in a foster home. He was one special dog. It broke my heart when I heard he did not make it.

  353. Thank you for allowing him to die with such compassion dignity and love so glad he found you guys at the end. May his sweet soul be free now. RIP Shane ❤️

  357. Oh that is so very very sad, what a beautiful gentle soul, thank god he had some kindness, warmth and love over his last days with all of you that loved him I am so sorry for your loss

  376. God bless you all for your kindness to Shane. Kathleen, thank you for being there for him in the end…I mean REALLY there. Run free, good boy. You’ll be remembered. <3

  382. My eyes are leaking. What is so touching is knowing that he spent his last moments knowing he was loved. So proud to be a part of the MAIN family. What amazing work you do.

  383. God bless you Kathleen for giving him the love he deserved even for a short time. He died knowing he was loved and that’s the most precious gift.

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