Sick Dog Arrived At Shelter A Stray, But The Rusty Collar Around His Neck Told Another Story

A sick, stray Husky arrived at a high-kill shelter in Texas in such rough shape that shelter workers considered putting him down right away. His past was a mystery and his future was uncertain.

Atago (as he is now named) was covered in mites and had a terrible case of mange.

The rusty collar and clasp around his neck hinted at a troubled past – one filled with neglect. Had he been chained up and forgotten only to be dumped when he grew too unhealthy?

One thing was certain, Atago was exhausted and would only lie down in his kennel, no doubt from his illness and past abuse.

He looked like he had almost given up on living, but Cindy Droogmans, founder of A-Team ELITE Rescue Dogs, saw a spark of life in the dog and decided to save him.

The moment Atago was pulled from the shelter he was rushed to the vet. Since receiving the medical care he so desperately needed, Atago is showing signs of healing.

His fur is slowly growing back, his skin is less itchy and he’s enjoying being outside.

He’s going on walks and smelling the grass and finally with people who care for him.

Now he’s on his way from Texas to New York and once he’s healthy enough, Atago will be available for adoption.

If you are interested in adopting Atago (and have a fenced yard), visit A-Team ELITE Rescue Dogs to find out how to apply.

Update: June 27, 2017

Sadly, a few months after after his initial rescue, Atago had to be let go. He had heartworm and developed a
disseminated fungal infection {“Affecting the lumbosacral region causing urinary and fecal incontinence because that’s where the nerves to the area arise from.”)

His rescuers were hoping for a miracle, but it just wasn’t to be.

“It’s with a heavy heart, many tears and a lot of anger that I have announce that we had to let go ATAGO over the rainbow bridge,” A-Team rescuers wrote.

“We had the best surgeons standing ready but there was nothing that they could do anymore. I would like to thank the vet in Texas and many doctors in NY who took care of him and gave their best…It feels like a knife in your heart when this one brown eye and one blue eye is looking at you when we serving his last meal.”

“It went fast but there is no suffering for him anymore. I will keep my language for myself but to the owner who betrayed him. You bought him as a fluffy puppy and then he was good enough but ones you had to put time and money on him you betrayed him and severely neglected him. Karma will find you …and it will hit you hard.

ATAGO was his name. He was loved and is loved. We will remember you. You are family. You are our boy and you will always be.”