Marley's Transformation

Marley became part of the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa (HSNEI) story when a call came in to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s office after he was found curled up on someone's doorstep and wouldn't leave. Badly injured and neglected, we are sure he was there desperate, looking for help. He was heavily matted and had his fur and skin ripped off across almost his entire back. It was infested with maggots and he smelled so bad the police officers didn't want to put him in their vehicle. Thankfully they did, as they could see his condition was urgent and knew he might not make it through the night. Marley was brought into the Decorah Vet Clinic on 6/25/17 around 10:00 pm. He was met by Dr. Amy Gibbs and technician Susan Peterson, who performed emergency surgery on him into the night. Marley’s four hours of surgery included being completely shaved for matted/overgrown hair, maggot debridement, and wound cleansing. He also had wounds on his ear tips which the Dr.'s suspect came from a fly infestation and he tested positive for Anoplasmosis (a tick-born disease). He spent two nights in the hospital before being released to HSNEI for foster care. He went home with Karen Bruening, a patient and loving HSNEI volunteer with two other dogs at home. He was exhausted and frightened and didn't trust very much. He slept for two days straight and then got a little more life into him. His wound was so big, he had to be taken into the vet every other day for laser/hydro therapy and to have his bandages changed. Things progressed slowly. He preferred to stay separate from the rest of the family. He didn't like to go outside very much. He was afraid of everything. His foster mom gave him constant attention and encouragement to go outside and introduce him to new things. After a month he started getting more friendly with the foster home's Irish wolfhound and Jack Russell. Gradually, after three months, he would attempt play. His foster mom said the one thing he loved was getting into the car: that dog is a road warrior! Once he was healthy and had grown less afraid, HSNEI transferred Marley to the Afghan Hound Club of America Rescue to keep him safe and help him get adopted into a family who understood the breed. HSNEI continues to fundraise to cover the extensive vet bills we paid for his surgery and follow-up care. Below you can see his story in pictures, from that first night and throughout recovery and healing with his foster mom and foster dogs. In the final photo, you can see Marley looking regal and comfortable in his new home in Missouri. We are so happy this team of compassionate people came together to rescue the magnificent dog Marley. He will always be remembered here at HSNEI as one of our best transformation stories.