“I Am Will…Hear Me ROAR!”

Back in November we posted about one of the amazing volunteers of the Carolina Basset Hound Rescue, Pauline Grimball and her 12 fuzzy “gifts” that keeping on giving to her life daily.  She is such an inspiration to others that foster and consider fostering for shelters and rescue groups. She and her merry pack of 12 dogs, 6 her own and 6 fosters make for the happiest and most interesting family around. Pauline has a special affection for the senior Bassets and the ones in need of long term medical care. One such special “gift” is Will. Pauline nicknamed him “Will to Live” since  Will was not in the best of shape when he was rescued by CBHR.  With a long list of medical issues, from a mouthful of bad teeth to heartworms Will seems to have a will to live. Will had been surrendered by his owners to their local shelter and this poor soul who’s emaciated body,  due to long term neglect was just skin and bones. Yes, Will’s own family did this to him and without any regard for what might happen to this sweet natured dog, they abandoned .

Lucky for Will, Pauline and the CBHR Team were there for him and quickly went to work getting him transported and settled into his foster family. Now, when we first met him, it was so difficult to grasp the concept that his former owners could do this to such a sweet boy. He just tugs at your heart with his sparkling eyes, bowed front legs and wagging tail. Pauline has the magic touch and with lots of encouragement Will is coming out of his shell, getting healthy and learning what it’s like to be part of a family and loved. It’s only been a couple of months but Will has gained 10lbs, had a major dental treatment and neutered. His next big step is the heartworm treatment. But with the love and family support of his foster Mom, Facebook Fans and CBHR, there’s no mountain or hurdle that Will can’t overcome!

When we last saw Will, he was a little shy and didn’t really know how to play or hang with other dogs. He does like to sit by you and be petted. With days of encouragement and love, Will is learning how to play and be a happy dog. He adores his foster Mom and seemed to like us while we visited. He runs and romps around the yard, loves belly rubs, exploring and just having fun. Pauline taught Will how to sit and be still to receive a treat. He loves to be with his foster Mom, who hugs and talks to him constantly and he has even picked up a little culinary interest in the kitchen, helping oversee the preparation of his meals. Lucky guy, eats 3 meals with snacks daily and is looking good! He did lose a large number of his teeth during the dental treatment but he eats his food softened with water and gobbles it right up!

Watching him try to play with the other dogs is heartwarming.  He wants to play in his own way and will flop down on the ground and roll onto his back and wait for one of the other dogs to acknowledge that he’s there.  If Will doesn’t get his way he lets loose the biggest, deepest bark that can probably be heard across galaxies!!! But above and beyond, Will is a survivor and an inspiration to all he meets.  So we send you love, woofs and wags Will to Live and are so excited being part of your new life and road to recovery! As he was barking at his foster brudders and sisters today, it made us think Will was trying to tell everyone far and wide…”I am Will…Hear Me Roar!”

Once again an amazing example of the important work and dedication to helping animals that so many rescues and shelters do everyday. If you can, please make a donation and encourage all you know to help this amazing group of volunteers that work so tirelessly to be the change for Bassets in need across the Carolinas. Also please feel free to post and share this sweet boy who is coming back to life because someone did care to step up and help.

If you are interested in more information about Will and his dedicated rescue family at the Carolina Basset Hound Rescue click below…

http://www.cbhr.com