Dog News

Rex, a Broken Dog Who Needs Help

by Katherine

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Rex is a 3-4-year-old black German shepherd who was owner surrendered on July 18, 2013. He was scared and hurt, and the though of anyone coming near him petrifies him.

When Manuela Ela Schafer from Lexington, South Carolina, saw a picture of this hurt dog, she knew she had to do something to help him.

Rex at the shelter waiting to be rescued.
Rex at the shelter waiting to be rescued.

“We had just lost our Clippy after 11 years, and for me it was too much to bear to see such graceful creature in this shape,” said Schafer. “It broke my heart to see a pitiful hurting baby sitting in his cage with his leg held up. I had to help him. My heart was dead set on rescuing him. There was no way I was going to let go of him, I loved him without knowing him.”

Schafer is a certified dog trainer from Germany and over the years she has helped rescue, train, and rehabilitate many dogs.

Patter Pets Inc. pulled Rex from the shelter On Oct. 3, 2013, and placed him under foster care with Schafer two days later.

“The first time I met him, I cried,” said Schafer. “He was sitting in the crate so pitiful. I wanted hug him and love on him, but I [could] see the fear in his eyes and I did not want to push him.”

Dr. Cameron Brewer Barkley from Millcreek Animal Hospital examined Rex and determined he had multiple fractures on his front, right leg. The injury was probably caused by car and the dog was never taken in for medical care.

“[Rex’s leg] has become so infected it needs major surgery,” said Schafer. “[The leg] has tried to heal on its own, but he fracture is too large and surgery is needed.”

For now Rex is under pain medications and antibiotics to clear the infection, as soon as the infection clears surgery will be performed to save his leg.

Rex, who is also heartworm positive, shows signs of abuse.

“He is scared. Not growling or biting, but he pees and poops on himself,” a worried Schafer said. “He won’t come out of his house and is scared of objects and sudden movements.”

The surgery and medical cost will be expensive and Rex’s rescuers know they need help covering his medical costs. A donation fund has been started to help Rex get back on his feet.

Schafer has fallen in love with Rex and has decided to adopt him but Rex needs time, surgery and love to heal.

When Schafer met Rex she knew he was the one she needed to help. “My heart melted and I knew right then and there, Rex was home.”

To learn more about Rex and to help with his surgical costs, visit his YouCaring page and see updates of his future surgery and rehabilitation process.