Ernie's Heartbreaking Story

Ernie’s Heartbreaking Story

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I am one of the world's biggest animal lovers. My husband feels the same, so when we caught wind of a dog living at a house unwanted, we knew we had to help. 

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My husband took Ernie to the vet; he now takes thyroid medication and is on an antibiotic. I am unsure if this was his first visit to the vet. He is twelve years old. His mouth is in terrible shape. The vet couldn’t tell if it was his jaw broken or if it was his teeth. She only knew his jaw moved when she pushed on it—causing Ernie to yip in pain. The vet told my husband his mouth was too bad to diagnose. The amount of pain he is in is unimaginable. Yet, his tail still wags.

His Name Is Ernie

Ernie is his name; I met him one winter night. We have taken over the duty of giving him his medication. We visit Ernie every morning and every evening. He is a small dog weighing only thirteen pounds. His fur needs trimming. It covers his eyes, pushing his coat aside; I saw the sweetest eyes looking back at me. It has been over two weeks, and I haven’t heard him bark. 

I constantly wonder if he is taken out at regular intervals to go potty. Or does he have to wait, holding it until someone in the house gets up and lets him out? It’s winter now, so I worry about him being out in the cold and then forgotten. 

About the third week in, we heard him bark. It was a tiny hesitant bark, but a bark all the same. By this time, Ernie is used to us and dances by the door when he sees us. His medication is well hidden in peanut butter or soft dog food. He takes either when he tires of one, we give him the other. We give him his breakfast, consisting of soft dog food he can chew. 

After he eats, we let him outside so he can do his business. I always feel better leaving knowing he went to the bathroom. 

Ernie Loves To Play

Ernie loves to play. It breaks my heart to see him chase his toy but not pick it up because of his mouth. Yet, his tail still wags. The resilience of dogs amazes me. This little guy has suffered so much but still wants to play. 

I tell my husband daily I’d like to remove him from that house. It is my fondest wish he comes home with us one day. 

There Is Always Sally

We have a female, Jack Russell, who is 16 and does not like other dogs. A neutral meeting place like the park where they can walk together is an idea. To bring Ernie to our home would not be ideal. It’s Sally’s domain. After all, she’s been here for 16 years. Hopefully, we can make arrangements when the weather warms up. 

Not Easy

Removing a dog from a home he has spent his life in isn’t easy. We have a huge, fenced yard where he can run and play. A doggy door lets him go outside as he wishes.

Heaven

 After being with us, he will realize he is in heaven. Nightly snuggles on the couch, sleeping with us in bed. I know we’d see a transformation of the best kind. His dances wilder, his zest for life back, no more loneliness nor neglect. 

Until then, we visit morning and night. It ends all too soon as we head out the door. He stands watching, his sad eyes reflecting in the dark. 

We Love Him

Ernie has a vet appointment at the end of December. I’m looking forward to the next step. Sad but true, Ernie still has a long journey in front of him. But he now has two people who love and care for him. After a lifetime spent alone, maybe, just maybe, we can make a difference in his life.

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