We have a report this morning on the dog Willow, found starving in Jacksboro last week. You will see how the human element tried to save her, but could not overcome the inhuman element in her past.
This comes from Keri Lane, the veteran rescuer:
"It is with a heavy heart this morning that I have to report that Willow, the starved Staffordshire Terrier in Jacksboro, was let go and crossed the Rainbow Bridge last night at 6 p.m.
"Nancy, the vet tech, and I were with her and we stroked her, kissed her, told her we loved her, and that she was going to a wonderful place where there is no pain and she would be whole again (both physically and mentally).
"This was one of the hardest decisions that I have had to make, but everyone at the clinic including Dr. [Paul] Lillard were in agreement that it was the right thing to do.
"Last Friday, she showed a lot of promise, was doing fine with other dogs and cats, but as she has started to feel better and get stronger, it has become apparent that she was probably used/trained for fighting. She has definitely been physically abused.
"Yesterday she went after some puppies (5-6 months old, med size), one of the puppies was in a submissive belly up position and Willow went straight for his throat. Nancy had to drag her away as she tried three different times to get at him.
"When I walked her by their kennel later that evening, she tried to go over there and had the direct stare, posturing thing going on and watches the other dogs in the clinic closely. She has shown an interest in the cats now, watches them intently, even when you try to redirect her.
"I wish it had been a different outcome and we at the clinic are just heartbroken at the turn of events. The only thing that makes us feel okay is the thought that maybe fate brought her to us so that we could show her love and kindness, if only for a little while. It just makes me sick to my stomach that someone could do what they did to her.
"She and I shared many kisses yesterday and I told her that she wasn't a bad dog, just had very bad owners before she came to us. I hope she knew how much we loved her, we told her that every chance we had and told her what a wonderful girl she was."
