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I have known about Theresa, Helen and the MDRN for sometime and have been to Theresa’s home several times to look at her rescues. The plight of these animals saddened me and I was interested in helping in some way—possible by fostering one of the rescued dogs.

I continued to check the MDRN website and after the October 2007 rescue, noticed a sad little black/brown schnauzer pup that was slammed up against the back wall of the kennel and appeared to be terrified. He was then called “Chocolate Mousse” and was less than a year old. So at the next adoption fair, I went in hopes of seeing this little guy. However because he was so traumatized, it was decided not to bring him.

On Tuesday of the following week, I made my way to Theresa’s home with the intention of fostering this little pup. I already had two 9-year old affenpinschers, one which is totally blind and needed to know they would all get along. However, once I got this little guy home and saw how terrified he was of humans, I decided he would never go anywhere where he might be hit ever again. “Sam” became a member of my family that day.

He was so terrorized of humans he tried strangling himself trying to get as far away from me as possible. He would run anytime you came close to him. He hates a leash and whenever you picked him up (which was not an easy task), he would tense his entire body waiting for the hits to be inflicted and grunted as if in pain. He did not make a sound other than his grunts for almost two weeks. I actually thought they may have removed his voice box. When he was neutered, the vet checked him for old injuries and discovered Sam had probably had, at least, two ribs broken at one time. What a sad beginning to such a young life.

I have certainly had a hard time gaining his trust and it will likely be a long process. However, he has come a long way since that first week. He still does not like to be touched and will allow it only occasionally and it has been a battle trying to house-train him. Although an energetic puppy who loves to chew up paper and my other dogs’ beds, he is a sweet and lovable little guy and so sad that there are human beings in this world who could be so cruel to this little guy and any other animal.

Sam has found his forever home and will never be beaten or mistreated ever again.