UPDATE 10 of August…
MARCUS IS SAVED!!!!…
Further updates coming soon… for now, many thanks to EVERYONE involved in this rescue, regardless of its capacity.
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We have 72 hours to save an incredible dog from being killed in Washington DC. Please read on…
Marcus story begins for us on the 2nd of May 2010, in the forests of Istanbul, Turkey.
On that date, a team of rescuers, accompanied by a visiting american tourist, Megan, found a dog in a critical condition.. It was a mix-Labrador. Judging by his state he had not eaten anything for many weeks, he was also totally dehydrated. Due to severe malnutrition and lack of vitamins the dog had gone temporarily blind. Weakened and deprived of his vision he had been trying unsuccessfully to find something to eat. He had failed miserably. He was at death’s door.
Megan immediately took pity on him and offered to pay for his medical treatment and, once he was in a condition to travel, to bring him with her to the USA. At every moment she showed extreme concern for the dog and during the next days she followed his evolution at our clinic.She had no dog experience but from the beginning she considered Marcus her dog and took total responsibility of his treatment and expenses.
I spoke to Megan and asked her repeatedly if back home she would be in a condition to properly care for Marcus. Absolutely!, was the answer, she was also supported by her extended network of family and friends. Marcus was Megan’s rescue and other than providing her with logistical support and help with the organization of the flight there was nothing else I could do.
On June 1 2010 Marcus flew from Istanbul to Washington DC, in a month he had experienced a miraculous recovery, he had gained weight, recovered vision and he was ready to begin a new life in dog paradise. Or so we thought…
Upon landing and whilst getting her new home ready, Megan left Marcus with an experienced friend. In that home Marcus fully completed his recovery whilst having his character fully evaluated.
Due to his traumatic experience in the forest Marcus had developed two behavioural issues:
1. Marcus had a strong prey drive, he would chase small animals, cats, squirrels as well as other small dogs. Nothing too strange there, we all know many dogs with similar problems.
2. Because of having had to compete for food to survive whilst in a weakened condition Marcus had develop fear to other dogs and (unsurprisingly), big sized men approaching him inappropriately.
NONE of those two issues warrant putting Marcus in a Sanctuary. What he needed (and needs now) is a family.
After two months Megan gave Marcus to her brother, also inexperienced with dogs.
What happened afterwards remains slightly murky but we heard that Megan’s brother was not capable of handling Marcus and he gave him away.
A few days ago we received an email from the USA. After a year trying to find a permanent solution for the dog Megan had decided to schedule a date at her vet and have him Killed by lethal injection.
Knowing Megan and how much she had cared for Marcus during this time we understand this was a decision taken out of desperation, but it’s a killing order nevertheless. How people consider themselves entitled to end the life of an animal that has gone through SO MUCH just to get rid of a problem that they have been unable to deal with is beyond my understanding. But sadly, this is the situation Marcus is in right now.
To a certain extent Marcus story reminds us the one of Target, the dog rescued from Afghanistan, brought to the United States with full attention of the media, only to be Killed by mistake at the Pinal Country Killing shelter.
Marcus is now on death row awaiting execution in Washington.
The moment we found out we immediately contacted them and asked for the execution to be put on hold.
We have until Wednesday the 10th to find a permanent solution for Marcus.
Marcus needs your help, and he needs it today!.
Conditions for adoption:
1. The adoptant MUST have proven experience handling dogs with fear issues.
2. Marcus will live inside the home, not in the yard.
3. The adoptant MUST be a high energy person. Marcus LOVES to play fetch, run after toys and tennis balls. He has abundant energy and joy. The owner should be at least as energetic as Marcus.
This is urgent. Please contact me on viktor@myletsadopt.com providing me with a full description of yourself and your household. We are not going to give Marcus away to the first person that sends us a two-liner. We are looking for a final home for this dog, not just to perpetuate the hell he has been forced to endure until now.
We have until Wednesday the 10th to stop a Killing. Please help. Please SHARE