Buddy, the Golden Retriever

The Lexus Project, based in New York, often gives pro bono legal defense for greyhounds and other canines that have gotten a raw deal. Recently, they took up cause for Buddy, a Golden Retriever. Buddy had gotten loose from his owner's home in Connecticut and gotten into a scuffle with several other loose dogs at the beach. A person intervened and was bitten by one of the dogs and although it could not be confirmed that he actually did it, Buddy took the wrap. This is not an unusual scenario when dogs are fighting. Anyone trying to separate fighting dogs runs the risk of getting bitten since dogs get all-consumed with the fight they are in. Anyone that attempts to break up a dog fight, even if it involves their own dog, must consider that risk. The powers that be in Connecticut held poor Buddy in solitary confinement for 11 months. He was sentenced to death and although we have never fully gotten all of the details, we know that The Lexus Project went into court as well as put media scrutiny on the Connecticut township. Because the township did now want the negative press, Buddy was freed!

Initially, no one knew how Buddy would come out of solitary confinement, if his head would be turned around backwards and he would have psychological issues. We had worked with The Lexus Project previously and since we have our kennel and clinic facility, we offered to give Buddy medical care, free of charge, before he was moved on to foster care in Florida.

Buddy arrived at NGAP on a Wednesday evening but I did not personally get to see him until Thursday morning. He was my first stop that morning as but wanted to ascertain if he had any issues that my staff might have to deal with. As it turned out, Buddy was a lover! All he wanted was to play and he couldn't get enough of chasing the ball. We played tug-of-war and when he went 'grrrr' I let him win - but it was not a bad 'grrrr'. In the end, The Lexus Project agreed to allow us to keep Buddy until we found him a suitable home to live out his days. When Buddy arrived, we believe he was about 9 years old and very chubby, probably due to his lack of exercise in solitary confinement. He was full of energy, but not in your face.

Our friends at Animal Resource Foundation, an animal rescue that takes advantage of our Re-Donation Program, were nice enough to cross-post Buddy on their Petfinder site, since they are located by the Chesapeake, an area where Golden Retrievers, Labs and other water-loving breeds are in demand. Thanks to their post, we are happy to report that Buddy has found a new home. In fact, it appears that Buddy has hit the doggie jackpot! Not only does he have his own big lake to swim in, but owners that love him and take him everywhere. We are all so happy for Buddy!

Hats off to The Lexus Project, the Animal Resource Foundation and everyone else that contributed to this happy ending!