To me, there is never a reason for a human to abuse an innocent animal.
However, just like in the case of sad instances of child abuse, the lines can be blurred when judging if its appropriate to say something, leave it alone, or take matters into your own hands like these concerned neighbors did.
This winter, I wrote about how dangerous it can be to leave dogs outside during the cold months. The very next day we had a blizzard and I saw my landlord leave her tiny pup outdoors in the snow for way too long, while he barked and shivered. I said something, and I've noticed her making the effort to actually walk her dog now. It was awkward, but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to the dog.
Unfortunately for many animals, like Brutus the rottweiler, no one spoke up before it was too late. As a puppy, the Colorado breeders who first owned Brutus left him outside in extremely cold temperatures. He survived, but his tiny paws became frostbitten and, instead of taking him to the vet, they did the unthinkable and cut off his feet.
He was left crippled and could barely get around, but luckily he was taken in by Canyon City, CO pet rescuer Laura Aquilina, who committed to fundraising the money to get him proper paws. Although Brutus is a survivor and he ended up with a better life than he'd had with the criminals, it breaks my heart that this happened to him.
If you promise to speak out against animal cruelty, please SHARE Brutus' story on Facebook to encourage your friends to do the same!
As a puppy, the people who bred Brutus the Rottweiler left him out in freezing Colorado temperatures. He sustained frostbite on his paws and his criminal owners cruelly cut them off instead of taking him to the vet.
Brutus was left disabled and although he was rescued, he still couldn't run and play like other puppies. He was always in pain and had to be carried everywhere.
Aquilina started a fundraising page to get the $12.5k to get Brutus prosthetic limbs, so he can walk around without pain.
She exceeded her goal and and the surgery was a success. Now Brutus is learning to adjust to his new prosthetics.
Through physical therapy, Brutus amazed everyone by learning to walk - and even run - with his new legs. He is only the second dog to ever learn to walk with four prosthetic legs!
Aquilina wrote on Facebook. "This is NO #AprilFools! Rick and I have decided to adopt Brutus. We will make it official when Brutus' rescuer, Laura Ornelas, comes with us to CSU next week for his physical therapy appointment. We are excited and blessed to be able to call Brutus a part of our forever family."
