What It Takes to Save Nine Lives

It is a tale of nine lives. Not of the feline persuasion, but of nine Scottish Terriers who found themselves in need of safe and loving homes after a terrible car accident took their Scottie Mom from this Earth. In two short days, Scottish Terrier Rescue of Brazil mobilized its members across the country for fundraising and other necessary preparations to carry out the biggest rescue effort the group had ever taken on at one time.

Max, Maya and Elisabeth right after they were taken into rescue

Four rescue members arrived at the home in which the Scottie dogs were kept in March 2016. Two of the pups went to a pet care center owned by a member of Scottish Terrier Rescue of Brazil, five more went with Ana Helena, rescue board member, to her home and the remaining two went to foster homes individually. There were no records of vaccinations and so all nine Scottish Terriers received updated shots and underwent medical evaluations that showed:

• Bella, age 6, had otitis, bite marks and scars on her body
• Elisabeth, age 6, also had otitis, bite marks and scars on her body
• Jordan, age 5, was in good health
• Maya, age 8, had otitis, a urinary tract infection and teeth needing treatment
• Alice, age 10, experience difficulty chewing as a result of tooth loss
• Max, age 3, had no fur on his body due to scabies plus otitis, conjunctivitis, an intestinal infection and anemia
• Pepper, age 2, was in good health
• Tata, age 7, had severe otitis, major arthrosis and back pain, infected mouth lesions, teeth needing urgent treatment and scars on her body as well
• Yoshi, age 10, was underweight and had an enlarged liver, compromised prostate, a nodule on his neck, severe intestinal infection and otitis

And so, the healing process for these nine Scottish Terriers began. Tata and Yoshi, now fostered by rescue member Dani, went through surgeries to treat their problems. The others were started on medications and had frequent visits with vets. Despite their conditions, all nine Scottie dogs are extremely affectionate, giving back the attention they receive, rescue members say.

Bella and her forever family

Elisabeth and her forever family

Jordan and his forever family

Maya

Alice

Pepper

Soon after they received positive evaluations from the vets, three of the dogs (Bella, Alice and Pepper) became what we lovingly refer to as "foster failures" and were adopted by the families that took them into their homes. Maya, Jordan and Elisabeth were adopted by applicants selected through the typical adoption process. Max, who underwent a long journey to recover, has since gained hair, weight and strength and no longer has infections. This Christmas, Ana Helena informed her fellow rescue members that she and her husband wanted to give Max his forever home.

Max today!

Tata

Yoshi

Today, Yoshi and Tata have found their forever homes with Dani. Yoshi has progressed well and is stronger, active and very affectionate toward those who take care of him. Tata underwent another surgery in December but it is clear both are on the right path thanks to Scottish Terrier Rescue of Brazil.

It truly takes a village to pull off rescue missions such as the one in this tale of nine lives. I want to thank Scottish Terrier Rescue of Brazil personally for the work they do, for saving these sweet pups and giving them each a chance at happily ever after. Stories like this are the reason I am so passionate about adopting Scottish Terriers (or any other animal, for that matter!). Want to join me in thanking Scottish Terrier Rescue of Brazil? Leave a comment for them in the space below or head over to their Facebook page to say hello...be sure to tell them Scottie Mom sent you!