Category: Awareness

Meet Snickers! Snickers is one of our newest senior Sanctuary residents here at Paws Give Me Purpose Inc.

Snickers is a 10-year-old Dachshund who is even more “delicious” than the candy bar bearing the same name. 

Poor Snickers was abandoned twice at the same shelter by those he had considered his forever family. While we do not know the exact reasons stated for his surrender, it doesn’t make his story any less heartbreaking. The second surrender even almost cost Snickers his life! 

One of our devoted volunteers happened to be at the shelter picking up another pup in need when they noticed this sweet boy and were told he had just 2 hours left to live. She quickly sent us a text, and our hearts immediately said yes. 

Snickers suffers badly from anxiety and abandonment issues; he does not like being left alone, or taking trips in the car for fear that he is being dumped once again. He does love toys and sucks on them for comfort, he also would rather be with his people more than anything else in this world and cries when they leave the room even for a second. 

Snickers had a host of medical issues and he has received the urgent emergency care he needed and will continue to receive the medical care and rehabilitation he deserves. Above all else, we at Paws Give Me Purpose put quality of life first, and we will not allow any pup in our care to suffer. 

Snickers presented a history of not being able to walk, and crying from pain when he tried to move, but he is now walking and no longer screams from pain when he moves. He suffers from Intervertebral Disc Disease and has been on a course of steroids and pain medication to make him more comfortable. In addition to this, he is resting as well as receiving cold laser therapy. This may very well be a medical issue that will require lifetime care. He is also a tad overweight, and will be on a special diet; the extra pounds are only harmful to his already sensitive back.

It also happens to be that although it seemed evident that Snickers was neutered, he is not. He is actually been found to be a bilateral cryptorchid, meaning his testicles did not descend. Sadly, retained testicles have a higher incidence of becoming cancerous and he should be neutered to correct this issue. 

Unfortunately, since his testicles were left this way for over 10 years, it makes things a bit more complicated. Our Veterinarian has run some tests and we are awaiting those results. Pending the outcome of those results and taking Snickers age and full condition into consideration, we will make what we feel the best decision for him medically and if it is determined it is safe to neuter Snickers, an ultrasound will be performed prior to that surgery to determine the current and exact location of his testicles so as to simplify the surgical process.

We are hopeful that Snickers will be adoptable once we get all his medical care taken care of, but he will require a very special type of home as well as an individual capable of taking care of his ongoing medical care. 

Snickers came to us because no one else stepped up to help him during his time of need and our promise to Snickers is to provide a safe and loving environment for the rest of his life should it be determined that is what’s necessary. 

If anyone ever doubts us, know that this is what we do at Paws Give Me Purpose.

Stay tuned for updates on this very special boy! 

We ask that you please consider making a donation to help us with Snickers continued care. If anyone is interested in sponsoring Snickers please reach out to us directly.

PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/pawsgivemepurposeinc

Venmo: @PAWSGIVEMEPURPOSE-INC

Paws Give Me Purpose Inc. takes in dogs who were alone, injured, neglected, abused, and/or no longer wanted. These pups hope for life, for love, and someone to make everything alright. We take in a never ending stream of sad, hopeful and fearful faces that look to us to make it all better.

What distinguishes Paws Give Me Purpose Inc. from other rescues is our philosophy that the Sanctuary residents come first. We act on behalf of the animals, and the staff and volunteers here all work under the notion that all animals in our Sanctuary, human and non-human, are of equal importance.

Sanctuary, defined as a place of peace, refuge or safety. A place where people/animals can live and be protected. This is what we do here at Paws Give Me Purpose; we treat every dog that comes through our doors with excellent care, compassion and love. When our dogs play in the play yard, you can see them finally let go and feel free for perhaps the first time in their lives. 

Here, we believe that all dogs deserve a second chance at life – especially seniors, those with physical disabilities, terminal illness, behavioral issues, have been abused and need someone to care for, love, and understand them. 

On occasion, we house dogs that can be rehabilitated and move on to forever homes, but most are here to just live out their days in Sanctuary sleeping, cuddling and hanging out with their other doggie friends.

It is heartbreaking to realize that somewhere in the world, there are dogs who are neglected and are left to live in misery, without people to love them back. Sometimes dogs come to us so ill or emotionally damaged; re-homing them is not in their best interest. We offer Sanctuary and lots of love for these dogs for the rest of their lives.

One of the most important missions here at Paws Give Me Purpose, beyond caring for the animals, is educating the public. The ultimate goal is to change the way that humans think of, and treat, dogs with special needs.

These dogs came to us when no one else stepped up to help them during their time of need. Our sanctuary is a home for those who have none. We provide love and special care to these dogs who might otherwise never know what it’s like to be loved and cared for. Our promise to these beautiful souls is to provide a safe and loving environment for the rest of their lives.