Patrick is a survivor.
This precious Pit Bull mix dog has a story that is shining a national spotlight not only on animal abuse but on extreme ends of the human spectrum. It's a story of pain, neglect, abuse, evil, and unimaginable suffering but also a story of an animal's will to survive and the caring people who've joined in the fight to save his life, the lives of others like him, and to strengthen animal abuse laws.
On March 16th, 2011, a maintenance worker at the Garden Spires apartment complex in Newark, NJ was emptying out the trash bin and moving the trash into a compactor when he saw one bag move ever-so-slightly. Inside was the living skeleton of a dog who'd been thrown down the trash chute of the 22 story building.
The City of Newark Animal Control picked up the dog and immediately began efforts to save its life. They found he had a temperature too low to register as they started him on IV's and covered him with blankets and heating pads. He was hand-fed tiny bits of food and gently held and soothed by staff who had never seen a dog still alive in such horrible condition.
The tough little canine miraculously survived his first 24 hours and on St. Patrick's Day he was transferred to Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls for further care. Hospital staff named him Patrick and continued to give the dog the loving care he deserved. Within hours, Patrick gave wonderful, tiny wags of his tail that seemed to say, "thank you". He received a gentle bath, a blood transfusion, antibiotics and pain medication along with continued bits of food which he gratefully accepted.
The little dog, that GSVS's Dr. Scavelli estimated would have died within hours if he hadn't been rescued, was proving to have the heart of a lion as he fought for his life with the team's help.
Meanwhile, Patrick's story spread and prayers, donations and love began to pour in. The world fell in love with Patrick while being horrified by his plight and outraged at someone who could do this to him. In Italy, France, Greece and Australia, people responded to his story. A Facebook page was made for him, The Patrick Miracle, which has nearly 30,000 followers and is growing hourly. Updates on his progress and condition are posted often.
Currently, Patrick continues to improve as caregivers saw him first be able to raise his head, then sit, then stand, and now walk the short distance outside to do his business (which he will NOT do inside...good boy!). He wears a little sweater given to him by a staffer and he's surrounded by cards and letters and drawings wishing him well.
An ultrasound has shown a foreign body that will need to be dealt with when Patrick is strong enough for an exploratory surgery. It's not uncommon for a starving animal to eat just about anything and it's thought that he may have eaten a sock or piece of cloth.
Now back to the bottom end of the human spectrum. The NJSPCA has charged 28 year-old Kisha Curtis with two counts of abandonment and two counts of failure to provide proper sustenance to an animal. Ms. Curtis has said she could no longer care for her dog but she denies having thrown him down the garbage chute.
Amazingly, these charges carry maximum penalties of just 6 months in jail OR a maximum fine of $1,000.
This has prompted another Facebook page to have been set up. Called Patrick's Law, it's a "nationwide grassroots movement for stronger legislation to enforce, prosecute and incarcerate animal abusers". This page had over 1,000 supporters almost immediately.
So this poor little dog who suffered so long and so horribly has become the face of animal abuse and the movement to make changes in legislation. But that's not all. Yet another Facebook page is now up and running, called Patrick's Pals. On this page, anyone is encouraged to post pictures and stories of animals in need. Followers are cross-posting and animals are being saved, all in the name of Patrick.
And Patrick? All he knows is that he's now safe, warm, pain-free, full, and loved for the first time in his life. Oh, and that tail? It just keeps on wagging!
Patrick still has a long journey to health and he still needs your prayers. We can't all adopt Patrick but shelters everywhere have wonderful animals who need your help. Remember to Adopt, Spay / Neuter, Tag / Microchip, and love your pets for life!
...this is always a good sign to recovery:
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