by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Mayday for Midnight

Mayday is a distress signal and this beautiful purebred female Doberman located right here on Long Island – well she is definitely in distress.  While many people don’t want to hear about dogs like Midnight, want to turn away – please take a moment to read her story.  She is begging you too.

Midnight is approximately 9-years old has lived the majority of her life outside – at the end of a chain.  Unfortunately this is more common than Long Islanders would like to think, especially those who pamper and spoil our dogs.  Think about it, a short haired dog living outside, and then think about how cold our winter was, and how much rain we have had the past month – Midnight was outside. Sadly there was another Doberman with her, a male – but he didn’t make it through the winter, and Midnight was left alone, outside, with no one.

However, Midnight’s luck started to turn for the better when a local non-profit rescue organization working in the area, RSVP (Responsible Solutions for Valued Pets), got word of the situation.  Most animal lovers would want to criticize, verbally bash the owners, call the ASPCA or police over Midnight’s situation – but RSVP and their volunteer dog behaviorist and trainer Kathleen Gallina of Zen Dog took a much different approach, one which may make you think differently.  Kathleen began to work with the owners to teach them how important Midnight is and taught them to care for her better.  The owners have been listening, and following her instructions – which if you’re a dog trainer or animal rescue person of any kind – getting an owner to listen and follow through is no small feat.

RSVP provided Midnight with an enclosed proper dog house, hay for warmth and comfort, a crate for inside the house and training advice.  Now at least Midnight can go into the dog house if it starts to rain and she the owners have been bringing her inside at night.  She is also lucky to have a care taker on the premises, (the owners tenant),  – which RSVP also helped teach how to care for Midnight. Kathleen and RSVP also check in on her at least two times a week, and give her bones to chew on.  RSVP also provided much needed veterinary care, she was already spayed, is current on vaccinations, heartworm negative, on Frontline, monthly heartguard, and glucosamine supplements.

Kathleen said, “We get out into the community and improve the quality of life for dogs on Long Island beginning with educating the owners and providing services that would otherwise never reach these dogs and owners.”  One of the other volunteers of RSVP is Samantha Mullen who lives somewhat nearby and they do outreach near the location.  RSVP has helped get many dogs spayed and neutered – that would have never been done, and thus prevented many litters of unwanted puppies.

Kathleen is a big Pit Bull advocate and that is the main breed she works with, but RSVP is always willing to help dogs in need, and where there immediately when they heard about Midnight. When I asked her what was it about Midnight that stuck out she said, “Midnight has a personality that just makes her shine, she is very appreciative of anything she is given. She is without a doubt an amazing companion dog.”

While Midnight is now getting much needed care and attention – she is still living outside, alone for the most part.  RSVP is desperately looking for a foster or even better a Forever home for this beautiful, regal, and oh so sweet Doberman. (And I can say that I met her yesterday – she definitely had that Doberman lean, was great on a leash and just so sweet to the 4 new people she met).  “Midnight may do well with a very appropriate male dog. Although I am sure she would love to have all the attention in an only pet home which is probably ideal,” said Kathleen.

So if you know of anyone who can help, and find this girl a loving, warm, happy home please contact Kathleen at zendog@optonline.net or Samantha Smullen161@optonline.net of RSVP.

Comments are closed.