This dog was called Gargoyle because his body is deformed from being forced to grow up in a cage that was too small for him. But he’s now got a second chance and a new name – Landis.
Landis. Photo credit: Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs
The young Pit bull was rescued by Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs after they received a plea from a shelter.
Photo credit: Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs
“Heartbreaking” doesn’t seem an adequate word to describe what happened to Landis. The rescue group saved him in mid-December, 2014 and wrote on their Facebook page about how they reacted upon first taking him:
“With all the horror stories we have seen and shared this year, words like “heartbreaking” don’t seem to mean much anymore. It’s really sad, as we shouldn’t have to use them so often.
Photo credit: Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs
“That said, there really is no better word to describe “Gargoyle” who we received a plea on from a GA shelter last night. This sweetheart of a boy is said to be 1-2 years old and as you can see, he is dwarfed. He is emaciated, his legs are basically, folded in half and his spine is curved. To look at him, you would guess he’d been forced to grow up in & live in a small cage. Well, guess what, you’d be right!! Where do these monsters come from that walk among us?!
Landis at the vet. Photo credit: Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs
“After feeling heartbroken, the next normal response is anger. How could anyone do this, how could this possibly have been allowed to happen?! And, it makes one feel even worse because this boy is a complete mush. You’d think he’d be angry and frustrated and difficult, but he’s not. Like most abused dogs we meet, he just wants to give and receive love.
“Sadly, we cannot spare him the pain he’s already lived, but we can get him the medical attention he urgently needs and help him have the best future possible!”
Photo credit: Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs
Landis will have a long recovery ahead, but he is surrounded by love and care. He visited an orthopedic specialist who noted that Landis’ legs have improved already from the time he was rescued and the doctor believes his legs will continue to improve.
Photo credit: Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs
The specialist’s recommendation was to not proceed with surgery at this time because the surgery is very painful, and Landis is regaining muscle tone in his legs on his own.
Landis’ legs have begun to improve. Photo credit: Project Landis
“His legs will never be perfect, but Landis is happy and not in pain and that is what is most important,” wrote Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs.
Instead, Landis needs a home where he will not be forced to walk on concrete or hard surfaces, which has a backyard with lots of soft grass. And Landis has found that perfect home!
Landis’ muscle tone continues to improve. Photo credit: Project Landis
Landis has been adopted and his new home sounds ideal. Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs let everyone know, “He is going to Mass, near Cape Cod. He is minutes from the beach (sand will be great for his legs), has a large fenced in back yard & will immediately start hydrotherapy 5 minutes from his new home! He will have 2 rescue siblings and a new mom who is home to tend to his needs.”
Landis has found the perfect forever family. Photo credit: Project Landis
Landis and his forever family. Photo credit: Project Landis
“I have made great progress today. I’m getting the hang of potty training in just one day and I love to sit in my Mom’s lap and chew on my toys. I’m even learning how to play ball!”
Photo credit: Project Landis
After 3 months with his new family, Landis is walking “all the way up” on his paws and his limbs are getting stronger every day.
Photo credit: Project Landis
He’s made remarkable progress and looks so good now!
Photo credit: Project Landis
Photo credit: Project Landis
I’m so happy for Landis! Thank goodness there are kind-hearted, compassionate people in the world to help save dogs like Landis from such terrible abuse!
Please share Landis’ story with your friends and family.
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