Roughly Abused Dog Was Left Baking In The Sun Until Rescuers Came And Helped Him Through His Tough But Successful Journey

Remo, a mixed breed dog, graduated with a doggy education Ph.D., and “Top Dog” class honors from TAILS (Teaching Animals and Inmates Life Skills) just four months after enduring nearly fatal abuse.

Rescuers were stunned that despite dehydration, malnutrition, skin disease and internal and external parasites, the young pup still managed to act loving and friendly when rescuers found him on March 14 of last year, stuffed inside a small metal box baking in the Palatka, Florida, sun.

As soon as Kathy Tillman, Putnam County Animal Officer, released Remo from his prison, he wagged his tail and tried to kiss her before collapsing. Tillman carried the grateful dog to a transport truck.

Once at the nearby animal shelter, the officer was told it was at capacity. If Remo stayed, he would likely be euthanized. Tillman did not give up on Remo, she just made a few phone calls.

“They called me and I immediately authorized the care,” said Jen Deane, president and founder of Pit Sisters rescue group.

Because of the shape he was in, he had to live at the animal hospital for several months. In May, thanks to Tillman and the devoted care of Pit Sisters, the loving Remo entered the canine training program at James I. Montgomery Correctional Center (MCC) in Jacksonville.

When Remo got there, he was in a bit better shape than he was in when he was rescued. However, he was still lethargic and very thin. The staff started him out very slowly, in 1.5 hour increments so he would not get overheated and so he could get used to everyone.

“Remo was so excited. You would think with the way he was treated he’d be afraid of people and other dogs but he was so happy and grateful. He was constantly bounding around almost saying ‘Look at me! I’m here. I like you!’ ” said Officer Lisa Irre who serves as the MCC training coordinator.

Since his rescue, Remo has gained about 30 pounds and many of his physical injuries have healed. He took to training so quickly that he is only the fifth dog in three years to complete his Ph.D. in behavior.

Remo’s story has heartened many, perhaps no one more than his inmate trainer Howard Culpepper. Culpepper shared via Irre that he has avoided dogs since one bit him when he was 13. But when he first heard Remo’s story and saw photos of him, he decided to foster him through the program.

“After caring for and training him these past eight weeks he began to look at dogs differently,” relayed Irre. “He said Remo’s story really touched him. After after all he’s been through caused Culpepper to learn to love again.”

Rescuers are hoping Remo, who is ready for adoption, will find his forever family soon. They all hope he is “treated like a king” as he truly deserves.

“I have been doing this for over three years and this case is the one that amazes me,” said Irre. “I will never forget Remo.”

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