Guapo Gets a Home.



Sometimes, the best gift you can give is a little hope.

At the end of September, a Bainbridge Island man was doing a bit of landscaping when he came across a heartbreaking sight. A young dog in a red striped sweater was wandering alone, very skinny and obviously hungry. Worried that the pup might be hit by the passing cars, he corralled the dog and waited in the area for nearly an hour, in hopes that his people would come. When no one did, he turned to KHS. 

Upon arrival, Admissions staff knew the dog – whom they named “Guapo” – had been through some rough times. He was quiet and nervous. He had “urine scalding” on his feet and belly – evidence that he’d been living in his own filth for some time. His nails were overgrown. He had scabbing on his muzzle and belly. His teeth showed signs of starvation. But it was when they took his sweater off that they truly saw how dire his situation was.

“He was so skinny, it was shocking. It just made me want to cry,” said our Behavior Coordinator, who has seen more than a fair share of desperate animals.

Guapo was assessed and found to have a body score of 1 out of 9, when a score of 4 or 5 is deemed to be healthy. Guapo was not. But KHS’ team was on the job. He was prescribed a battery of medications to deal with his various ailments and parasites, and ointment was applied to his abrasions twice daily. His diet was closely monitored to bring him up to a healthy weight. He was vaccinated and neutered. And he was bathed with medicated shampoo, then liquid soap, then oatmeal. After a short stint with a fabulous foster family, the once-emaciated dog had gone from a little over 19 pounds to a healthy 32. And his greatest wish was about to come true.

Just 38 days after he was found lost and starving, with a dirty red sweater hiding his pronounced ribs and hips, Guapo was adopted and now lives his days with his loving new family in Bremerton. He’s no longer shy and scared, but loud and active. And he gets all the treats and scritches his heart desires. All thanks to a Good Samaritan on Bainbridge, a dedicated team of KHS professionals, and people like you. And, of course, a little hope.

It’s your support that gives hope to thousands of animals like Guapo every year. Please consider donating for Giving Tuesday. 

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