Shadows sanctuary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Rescue, Foster and Sanctuary. We specialize in severely abused, neglected, and special needs dogs. The primary purpose and goal is to provide lifetime care and sheltering to dogs who, are unable to find homes due to age, chronic illnesses, and behavioral issues as a result of extreme abuse. We also rescue otherwise healthy dogs that find themselves in dire circumstances: such as scheduled for Euthanasia in high kill shelters. We rescue from all States in the USA and Internationally.
MEET THE RESCUES AND PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF SHADOWS SANCTUARY
Titan
Gray
Indiana
Kali
Sarge
Durango
Shiloh
Shiloh is a Texas rescue and victim to a hot and run. Weeks after being hit Shiloh was found and brought to a high kill shelter. Shiloh then spent 9 days at the shelter with two severely broken legs. Upon us rescuing Shiloh she went into emergency surgery. Her rear left leg was completely reconstructed. Unfortunately, her front left leg had to be amputated. The break was so severe and, in her elbow, causing severe bone splintering. Shiloh is also heartworm positive and will have to go through treatment. Shiloh has had a very rough start to life including pneumonia, an enlarged heart, lung complications and kidney issues. Currently, Shiloh is healing from 3 major surgeries. We have ordered a prosthetic to help Shiloh get around. Shiloh is between 1-2 yrs old now spayed and a very sweet little girl.
River Reign
River Reign comes from Barc high kill shelter in Houston TX. River was scheduled for Euthanasia due to Heartworm, advanced age and behavior. The shelter noted River had serious behavioral issues. I have not seen one behavioral issue since he arrived. Shelters are famous for adding behavioral notes to dogs that are scheduled to be euthanized because a behavioral euthanasia doesn't count to the number of euthanasia's performed at the shelter.
At one point in River's rescue the shelter didn't know his whereabouts and assumed he was euthanized. Thankfully, we were able to rescue River right before his euthanasia deadline. River needs heartworm treatment and has prostate issues. River is undergoing testing to determine his health.
Love ADOPTED
Love comes from a High Kill Shelter in California. Love had been in the shelter for some time with no adoption or rescue interest. We were asked to help when Love found herself in danger of being euthanized. Love is 5 and very sweet. She is shy, but friendly.
ESME'
Esme' is a California rescue, listed as 7 Esme is actually very senior and in end stages of life. Esme' was a confiscated case from a popular California Rescue along with 140 other dogs. Esme' landed at a high kill shelter with a compound fracture to her front left leg. The shelter made the decision to amputate her leg. Esme' struggles with balance since losing her leg and we have since ordered her a prosthetic to help her get around. Esme has mammary tumors which have spread, and she is in advanced spinal stenosis. We have decided under the guidance of Esme's Dr not to do a mastectomy due to her advanced age and likelihood she wouldn't make it through the difficult surgery. Esme' is on pain management to make her more comfortable.
Sage
Sage is a Texas rescue. Sage was listed for euthanasia due to severe medical issues. Sage had been vomiting for days and had aspirated on vomit causing acute pneumonia. Upon rescue Sage was hospitalized and treated for pneumonia and a complicated non-viable pregnancy. Sage is also high heartworm positive with an enlarged heart and lung damage. Sage has begun heartworm treatment and is being monitored closely for heart and lung complications. Sage is between 3-4yrs old
KAI
Kai formerly Bruno was an abuse confiscation case. weighing only 24 pounds when confiscated Kai was placed in the county shelter awaiting the owner's trial and pending abuse charges. Kai proceeded to spend the next 12 months in the shelter with no interaction with other dogs or people. not only was Kai relegated to a cell, but he was not given any vaccinations or preventatives, resulting in Kai now being heartworm positive. when the case concluded, and Kai was permanently removed from his owner he was then placed on the euthanasia list. we were contacted as a hail Mary last attempt to save his life. Kai has now been given vaccinations and neutered. His heartworm treatment has also started which takes 6 months to complete.
RONIN ADOPTED
Ronin was neutered in California. He chewed at his scrotum and incision because he wasn’t coned or monitored and frankly placing a German shepherd in a cage after surgery is a sure fire way for them to take their boredom and frustration put on themselves. Ronin, ripped himself apart and had he been in a responsible shelter he should have been restitiched and mended. Instead he laid in urine, feces and blood until the California rescue could pull him out and place him in boarding.
2. He went to boarding and immediately transported out of California. He was on antibiotics at that time and pain meds.
3. When he reached my foster he was a mess. He smelled like feces and looked like he had elephant Titus of the scrotum. He was placed on different antibiotics and medication to stop any bleeding internally.
4. The sack that is swollen and pictured is tissue filled not fluid therefore there is nothing to drain. He has sustained a tremendous amount of damage and will have permanent scar tissue and damage to the entire area. It was discovered just today his neuter was not performed in a typical manner causing an even greater risk of damage and infection. Ronin does have an infection and is being medicated, he has been put on light exercise to get the blood flowing and that swelling down. It’s a fine line between restriction to stop swelling and light exercise to help swelling. Health and mental stability wise Ronin is in bad shape. He is suffering greatly from anxiety, and fear. He has been through a lot in the last 18 days enough to kill him so I’m grateful we have a chance to save his life even if he will have long term issues from this ordeal.
He can urinate fine so mechanically everything is working. The swelling and this ordeal will take weeks if not months to heal from.
He will be reevaluated again in a few weeks.
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AUGUST
August
August was trapped in Texas and brought to a high kill shelter. I saw August listed for euthanasia and rescued her. August has mange and just got over a very serious upper respiratory infection that lasted 18 days. Unfortunately, It was determined after my vet examined August upon rescue that she had recently given birth. Around 2-3 weeks prior to being trapped. No puppies were brought into the shelter with her. 3 weeks after I rescued her we found out the location she was trapped and sent out volunteers to comb the area. No puppies have been located. August has been through a very traumatic experience and needs a lot of tlc. It is believed August was feral. August has been in mourning over her babies and was visibly depressed for weeks after rescue. August has started to come out of her shell but she has a very long road to recovery
PARVO SURVIVOR PHINEAS
Phin is a Texas rescue. He was scheduled for euthanasia at 12 weeks old. His euthanasia was scheduled for a Sunday which makes rescue even harder. Once we rescued Phin, we took him straight to the vet as he looked unwell. Phin was diagnosed with Parvo and began a month-long hospital stay. He was touch and go many times throughout that long month and the Dr told us to prepare for his passing. Phin is a true fighter and pulled through. Phin is a class clown and so funny!!
Rocky
*******TRIGGER WARNING*******
Rocky is a two-year-old Siberian husky that came to Shadows Sanctuary from Qatar. Rocky was poisoned with rat poison causing severe physical and neurological damage. He has dementia and sundowning syndrome at the young age of two. Rocky requires around the clock care and constant supervision. Especially since he has neuropathy, and the pain causes him to attack himself and his paws often. Left unsupervised he would cause serious injury to himself. Rocky, was also a victim of Sexual Assault as a result he has a severe bite reflex anytime you go near his backside. He will and has bitten me often when I have to groom him or clean his backside. I do not muzzle him or use any kind of restraint because that is a trigger for him. His assault isn't something I've spoken about in the past because it does feel personal, but I also think it's important to understand that dogs who have been traumatized in such ways can still be rehabilitated. It takes time, patience and understanding to help nurture a dog who has experienced such horribleness and I also think it's important for everyone to see how amazing Rocky is doing now. Rocky has overcome so much including severe night terrors and literally screaming in his sleep. Now with structure, meds to help with his anxiety and ptsd and most importantly love Rocky is thriving.
Rocky's favorite things are dunking his head in water to blow bubbles, and to chase his sibling's tails! He loves cookies and treats just as much!
ROCKY IS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE SANCTUARY DUE TO PTSD, DEMENTIA AND SUNDOWNING NEEDS. ROCKY ALSO REQUIRES 24/7 CARE DUE TO SELF HARM
LEXINGTON AKA LEX
On April 22. 2022 I was contacted by a local vet in reference to an 11-week-old German Shepherd who was scheduled for euthanasia. He was an owner/breeder schedule because he was sick. Lex had been suffering from vomiting and chronic diarrhea since he was 5 weeks old. The vet asked if we would take lex into Shadows Sanctuary and get him the medical attention he needed.
We immediately went and picked lex up and started the diagnostic process.
On Sunday May 1, 2022 we had him admitted to an emergency veterinary hospital in hopes of stabilizing him and finding out what was wrong. Monday May 2, 2022 he was transferred to a specialist for further diagnostic testing.
The Dr. discovered by ultrasound that lex had Intussusception bowel obstruction. Basically, his intestines look like an accordion. Lex went into surgery for a bowel resection. After spending 5 days in the ICU Lex was released on May 7, 2022.
On May 9, 2022 lex's belly seemed swollen and he was brought back to the Surgeon. It was discovered he had a colon rupture and went into emergency surgery for a second time. During this surgery the Dr advised lex had less than a 20 percent chance of survival.
Lex made it through the surgery and spent the next 5 days in the ICU under a guarded prognosis. On day 6 Lex was released and the next 6 months were a pretty hard recovery. Lex is now 2 yrs. old and doing wonderfully. He does have colitis and needs specialized food but he's healthy and amazing.
CLOVER
Clover comes to Shadows Sanctuary from Texas, USA and is three years old. Clover was found in a field in horrible shape. Clover was hospitalized for days. Treating her for dehydration, mange, and worm infestations. She was also found missing her right paw. As soon as Clover came to Shadows Sanctuary, she was fitted for a prosthetic, which she has worn every day for the last two years. Clover becomes noticeably depressed anytime her prosthetic is in the shop getting repairs. Which has led us to purchasing a spare prosthetic, so she never goes without. Clover is such a happy and content girl who loves playing and EATING! She also lives for massages and playing with her big sister Kira!
CLOVER IS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE SANCTUARY DUE TO ORTHOPEDIC AND MISSING LIMB NEEDS
ABIGAIL
Abby is believed to be 1-2 yrs. old and comes to Shadows Sanctuary from Texas. Abigail was brought into a kill shelter as a stray with mange and severely underweight. After weeks of treatment Abby is finally starting to get better. Currently her weight is up 15 plus pounds, and she is on her third and final round of antibiotics. Abigail loves her new siblings especially little Teddy. She's a playful little girl who loves treats and face kisses. She loves mealtimes almost as much!!!
ABIGAIL IS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE SANCTUARY DUE TO BEHAVIORAL AND TEMPERAMENT ISSUES
Update: Our sweet angelic Abigail passed away suddenly while playing at the park at the very young age of 2. She had an unknown brain aneurysm. Shocking, and heartbreaking are just a few words that explain her loss for us.
REESE
Reese is an eight-year-old working line German Shephard. She came to Shadows Sanctuary as an owner surrender, due to having a lifelong medical condition. Reese came to us from Virginia, USA and has a very treatable condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. she requires medicated enzymes applied to every meal. The enzymes help Reese break down her food and absorb the much-needed nutrients. Though it is very treatable, it is very hard to keep Reese's weight up to a healthy level. Reese currently consumes 4000 calories a day and weighs 69 pounds. Reese's all-time favorite thing to do is exercise. She loves frisbee, swimming and running!!
REESE IS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE SANCTUARY
APOLLO
Apollo is a two-year-old Saluki who came to Shadows Sanctuary from Qatar. He was shot with a 12-gauge shot gun and then purposely run over to end his life. Both of is legs were broken in the assault. His left leg has since been extensively repaired and he now has bionic hardware. Such as a rod, a plate and numerous screws in his leg. His right paw has been broken in half completely detaching from his foot. Thankfully, he feels no pain in his paw or leg because all the nerves were severed. Apollo is recently recovered from his left leg surgery and enjoying his newfound life. Apollo's favorite thing to do is go for car rides, snuggle his human and eat his bedtime cookies!
APOLLO IS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE SANCTUARY DUE TO PHYSICAL NEEDS AND LIMITATIONS
KIRA
Kira is a nine year-old Doberman Shepherd mix. Kira comes to Shadows Sanctuary from Texas, USA. Kira had mange and was heartworm positive. She also had a meat allergy. After trying numerous diets to help her digestive and skin conditions, she was put on a strict vegan diet. Under supervision by her veterinarian Kira remained a vegan for an entire year before meat was reintroduced. It was slow going, with a few setbacks but now Kira is 100% a meat eater with no allergies. Kira is also heart worm free!! Kira's favorite hobbies are playing, following her human everywhere and chewing bones!
KIRA IS A PERMANEMT RESIDENT OF THE SANCTUARY DUE TO SYSTEMIC ALLERGIC REACTION TO MEAT
TEDDY
Teddy comes to Shadows Sanctuary from Texas. Teddy was dumped at a kill shelter and was an hour from Euthanasia when we happened upon his picture. Teddy was only 13 weeks old when he had been scheduled to be euthanized. Hard to believe, I know. Texas has one of the highest Euthanasia rates in the USA. It was tough getting little teddy rescued from Texas to Virginia but I'm happy to say he's safe and oh so happy in our care. Teddy loves, loves and loves to play with his siblings especially Abigial. He loves food and treats, especially treats. Teddy will be staying with Shadows Sanctuary to live his best life!
TEDDY IS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE SANCTUARY DUE TO BEHAVIORAL ISSUES
Lulu and Lemon
Puppy Lulu and her sister Puppy Lemon were rescued from a high kill shelter in TX. They were both scheduled for Euthanasia on 4/18/22. Thankfully a fellow rescuer alerted us to their situation and asked if we could help. Though we are at capacity and funds are super low we said yes.
LULU has been ADOPTED!
Lemon is a permeant resident due to behavioral issues.
lemon /lulu
lulu
Lemon
lemon
lulu
OZZY
OZZY WAS AN OWNER SURRENDER FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. SINCE OZZIES ARRIVAL IT HAS BECOME CLEARER WHY HE WAS LEFT AT OUR DOOR. HE HAS SOME MEDICAL ISSUES WE HAVE BEEN TENDING TOO SUCH AS ALLERGIES AND CONSTANT VOMITING. HE ALSO HAD PARASITES AND WORM INFESTATION.
OZZY ALSO HAS SEVERE MOTION SICKNESS. OZZY IS A MASTADOR AND EXPECTED TO BE AROUND 150 POUNDS!
OZZY IS A PERMENANT RESIDENT OF THE SANCTUARY DUE TO HIS SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS
Raven
Raven comes to us from a high kill shleter in Texas. Raven was in what is called pre lab meaning she was in an area that dogs wait to be euthanized sit. Sick with an upper respiratory infection, in heart failure and afraid. The picture to the left says it all.
After a lot of work and help by many different advocates we were able to save Raven, she is 5 years old and in heart failure due to advanced Heart worm infestation.
Due to her advanced heart worm and the state of her lungs and heart we had to immediately start heart worm treatment upon her arrival.
She is three weeks into her treatment currently. Heart worm treatment is extensive and is a lot on the dog in treatment. Mostly the 12 weeks of crate rest.
Raven goes back in for 2 more shots the end of November and then has 8 more weeks of crate rest. We don't know the outcome of her heart until we irradicate the worms and do more testing. for now we're just focused on getting her through her treatment.
Update: Sadly, our Raven passed away. Raven had heart failure due to advanced heartworm damage. Raven is sorely missed everyday.
HARLEY QUINN
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn Gsd mix 10-12 weeks old Hit with a blunt object (pole or pipe) breaking her femur up by the ball joint the impact also cut off the blood supply to Harley’s hip and femur area causing muscle atrophy. FHO surgery is needed. Harley is in Severe pain and has trouble going to the bathroom. Harley will likely have a permanent issue with her leg and may need revision surgery in the future due to loss of blood supply to the tissue and muscle. Harley has a long road to recovery ahead of her.
LEO
Leo
Leo was locked in a 4x4 concrete cell in Texas heat, no visitors, no on site staff only volunteers who would go and feed him once a day. Which also meant if he knocked his water bucket over he wouldn’t have water again until a volunteer showed up. Leo is Heartworm positive and has an intestinal hernia. His intestines can actually fall through due to the hernia. We are currently treating Leo for heartworm and when he is healthy enough for surgery he will have intestinal surgery.
WILLOW
Willow was owner surrender. Willow's owner found themselves on hard times and reached out for help. We stepped in to help when we saw willow gaining interest from breeders who wanted to breed her. Willow is now two years old with severe anxiety and a permenant resident at the sanctuary due to behavioral issues.
Maverick
Maverick comes to us from California. He was being sedated for euthanasia when a California rescue was able to intervene and save his life. Unfortunately, the rescue was victim to adoption scam. Maverick was loaded on transport to head to his new home when it was discovered the adopter falsified all their information and the address given was an abandoned lot. we were asked to get Maverick mid transport and get him to safety. Maverick has severe separation anxiety and becomes destructive when left unattended. due to Mavericks behavioral issues, he is a permanent resident of the sanctuary.
MAX
Max comes to us from California. Max was turned into the shelter and health department and labeled a Bite dog. The owner advised Max had bitten their child. Max was immediately scheduled for euthanasia. During his short time in the shelter awaiting euthanasia max was grossly mistreated. The staff feared Max based on normal kennel stress behavior and the fabricated story of the owner and they used a powerful hose on Max to make him conform to orders. Max was rescued by a California rescue, and we were asked to step in because of Max's label as a bite dog. Max is anything from a bite dog, well unless u meant licks you continuously as (bite dog) I believe if Max did in fact have a situation it was a product of abuse. Max cowers often and drops to the ground expecting to be beaten. Max is an amazing boy and is a permanent resident at the sanctuary.
SHADOW THE NAMESAKE OF THE SANCTUARY
Shadow was rescued in 2017. She was waif thin and used as a breeding dog. When she couldn't have any more puppies at age 7 her owner tied her to a tree and listed her as "free" on craigslist. Shadow had three different kinds of worm infestations which took almost 7 months to eradicate. Shadow was my heart dog, and it broke me to pieces when I lost her just two short years after her rescue to cancer. I try to comfort myself in the knowledge that for the two years she was with me she had an amazing life. Every rescue is in her honor and memory.