Compassion News

Shadow

Shadow is 5 years old (we are waiting for an up to date pic) and has never experienced what it is like to rest on a couch by a warm fire, go on a nice walk, run freely in an open field or feel any human compassion.  Before Shadow came into the care of Limerick Animal Welfare she was kept in a small cage and thrown a bit of food daily.  Rescuers were told that she was "no good", no good to race, no good to love.  That was her life for 5 years.  If a greyhound in Ireland does not make any money, he/she is not worth anything.  They are not seen as living creatures with needs and emotions, they are seen as money making objects. 

When the Irish rescuer went to collect Shadow, she was met with the saddest eyes she had ever seen.  Shadow hung her head and refused to look up.  When the rescuer put her hand out to stroke her, Shadow flinched.  Her nails were extremely long and she had pressure sores from five years of living on a concrete floor.  The rescuer was told that Shadow was "not used to a collar and lead".  In other words, Shadow had never left the small cage, except on the rare occasion when she was allowed out into a tiny run for 30 minutes a week.

Shadow's teeth were rottten and decayed due to her bad diet.  Her body was covered in old scars.  This may be the result of the rare occasions when she was allowed out of the cage.  The rescuer was told that others had attacked and bitten her.

During the drive to Limerick Animal Welfare Shadow curled up in the van, still refusing to make eye contact.  It seemed she had given up on life.  On arrival, it became clear that Shadow also had a broken tail that had never been treated.  This must have caused her a  lot of pain.  She has now been in the care of  Limerick Animal Welfare since the beginning of September and she is a "shadow" of her former self!  She greets everyone with a wagging tail and a sparkle in her eye.  She loves her walks and the warmth of her cosy bed.  Her faith in humans has been restored and the future is now bright for Shadow.  She will experience all the things in life that a dog deserves.

Thanks to Greyhound Compassion's donors and fund-raisers, Greyhound Compassion has been able to pay for two months' care (€9,000) for Shadow and the other greyhounds accommodated by Limerick Animal Welfare 

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