This is my Mom's dog, Prince.
He was an abused dog that the wife brought to the vet to put down at her abusive husband's command. The vet took the dog, gave it care, and offered him to my Mom knowing she'd love him and give him a good home.
He had a broken leg that healed itself. He cannot make bowel movemnts without pain because of the damage done to him. He was afraid of men when she got him, and would growl at me and bare his teeth unless I approached him VERY slowly. Even then, he wasn't comfortable with me petting him. He just didn't trust men.
A month ago, my son and I spent the night at my Mom's house. Not having cable at my house I sometimes take advantage of my trips to Mom's by staying up late and watching her TV. (She lives out of town. I dont' do it often.) Sweet Prince would follow me from room to room, laying at my feet wherever I went. I ended up laying on the floor for an hour petting him while everyone else in the house slept.
He's gone from a feisty, fussy dog who would nip at people who made him uncomfortable to a sweetie who loves and trusts everyone he meets.
Sadly, he'll be put down soon. Maybe in less than a month. My mother has spent a fortune on medicine on his enlarged heart and abuse-damaged colon. His heart is so enlarged that he's having trouble breathing, and although he's still a loving dog you can just tell his quality of life is going downhill fast. It was love that gave him a new home and love that gave him a better life. Mom had him for about half of his life. It'll be sad to see this little guy go, but it is his time.
He even managed a smile for my camera.
