We received a call from an all breed rescue group who was having difficulty placing a four year old boxer named Charlie whom they had rescued several weeks earlier.  We were horrified to hear his story.  He was so skinny and looked so sad.

Charlie had lived with an unfortunate woman who also had a cat.  Both animals were confiscated by animal control because the house where they all lived was condemned. The building was in such deplorable condition it had to be torn down, and the woman was put in an institution.

Poor sweet Charlie had never been out of the house (even for potty breaks).  He had no training, nor had he ever been seen by a vet.  Charlie had blood in his urine which was caused by an enlarged prostate (he was still intact).  He was treated with antibiotics and he was neutered.  He also tested positive for Lyme Disease and is currently being treated with medication.

Due to Charlie’s previous living situation, he is somewhat developmentally stunted and is much like a puppy with a clean slate. Everything is new to him such as the grass, dirt, outside sounds etc.  Amazingly he does not appear to be frightened by his newly discovered world, he is not shy with people, and is good with other dogs.  Charlie is enjoying exploring everything and is soaking up his new nurturing surroundings.

Below is an initial quick update from Charlie’s new foster mom: