Snickers
by Tanya M. Jackson

Snickers was very young, a joyful, energetic, growing puppy, when he was collared and chained to a tree in his owner's backyard. He probably did not get much human interaction or socialization, and certainly not much attention, affection, training and love. As time went on he was lucky to have food and water. He grew quickly, as all puppies do, put no one paid much attention to that!

One hot day in the summer of 2003, a neighbor noticed that this dog had nothing to drink. It was very hot. She chose to be a good Samaritan and brought some water to Snickers. As she watched him lap up the water, she observed that his collar was extremely tight. His chain was tangled around a tree so that he had no room to roam. She tried to remove the collar, but it was hopeless.

Unfastening the chain, she decided to take Snickers home. Her husband tried to help her remove the collar. It was embedded too deeply! On Saturday night, it was clear that no one would be available at the animal shelter to help. Our hero's new friends cleaned his neck as best they could. Sharing their dinner with him, they gave him a comfortable bed and a great deal of love. While thinking about how to help this poor neglected dog, they named him Snickers.

Since it was not possible to keep Snickers, our heroes helped their new buddy into the car and drove to the Nassau Humane Society early Sunday morning. The shocked staff shed quite a few tears, but were open to new possibilities in life for our friend, Snickers. After his collar was removed and his wounds were cleaned, a painful procedure at best, Snickers was grateful that someone finally cared for him, and he became the "office dog".

In addition to his other travails, Snickers also had heartworms, which are caused by mosquito bites, not infrequent in Florida! Treatment requires medication and rest for six weeks until test show the animal heartworm free. Thank goodness, Snickers recovered from this as well!

Now, however, our wonderful friend, Snickers, has found his forever home. He wears a halter. No more collars ever again in his life! He has a comfy bed, gourmet food, lots of toys, and most important, Snickers is loved!

We were at Pet Smart last week and were notified that Snickers was on the web site. After reading the entry we were in tears and wanted to respond.

Well here we are 1.5 years later after Snickers adopted us and we are as happy as could be. He is the King of the house. Always happy to take a ride in the car (especially when he gets to go to Dogwood Park). Go outside or just lay around on the couch (or beds) and relax. He is in great health. All heart worm tests have been negative and his neck has healed completely. Just a scar now that will or has hopefully faded.

We owe all our thanks to the Nassau Humane Society for putting their time and love into this wonderful child of ours. We are privileged to have been chosen to take care of and spend every possible moment with our Snicker-doodle.

Very and Truly Sincerely,

Snickers Family