- Laura Pierce
- Posted On
A dog's tale: Abused dog gets a new life
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On a Thursday in September, one life would be saved and three lives would be changed forever.
This is the story of “Honey” – today, known as “Anna” – a dog whose story might have had a sad ending had it not been for a number of people who cared enough to help her get a new home and a new life.
During her second time in Clearlake, Special Agent Jill Brenny was assigned to an enforcement sweep of gang offenders and was accompanied by two additional Special Agents in the Gang Unit of Homeland Security Investigations, along with Clearlake Police officers and a Lake County Probation agent.
The group came upon a trash-filled lot with a filthy and forlorn female pit bull chained to a fire-charred and dilapidated RV with busted out windows.
The dog's eyes were crusted with infection and open sores that appeared to be burn marks covered her ears and neck.
Her head hung low, though she stirred when she heard voices.
“There was no way I was leaving that dog there,” said Brenny.
Little did she realize that she would put in motion a rescue effort that would span four states.
Det. Tom Riley of the Clearlake Police Department called Clearlake Animal Control, and Officer Jenna Tuller responded.
As she was approached by Tuller, the dog held up her injured leg in a silent plea for help.
Due to her deplorable condition, the dog was confiscated by Clearlake Animal Control and named “Honey.” She was taken to the SPCA of Clear Lake.
Agent Brenny – who lives in San Francisco – knew she could not leave Honey behind. What would become of her?
Brenny started emailing and texting fellow dog lovers who she thought might be looking for an addition to their family.
She found the one – Hence Williams, a US Probation Officer and EMT in Vernal, Utah.
Brenny kept calling the SPCA to let them know that Honey would have a home when she was ready to leave.
She and Williams kept in close touch and they decided that she would pick up Honey at the SPCA and drive her to meet Williams in Reno.
In addition to potty breaks, Brenny pulled over several times during the six-hour ride to comfort Honey.
“I couldn't believe that, after all she had been through, she was so sweet and just wanted to be in my lap the whole time I was driving,” Brenny said.
Williams was waiting in Reno when Brenny and Honey arrived.
He had brought along his other rescued pit bull, named Cooper. Both girls look like twins separated at birth. They bonded immediately and have been inseparable, even sleeping cuddled up together.
Williams has renamed Honey “Anna.”
He decided to take Anna to his old vet in New Mexico, with whom he had a longstanding relationship.
After a thorough exam and x-rays, it became apparent that Anna had sustained a broken humerus during her years of abuse and neglect and that the bones had healed offset, which was causing her pain.
That vet offered his opinion that the leg could not be saved, and an amputation was performed on Nov. 19.
Anna has taken the surgery in stride and quickly learned to navigate on three legs. She is currently undergoing a period of rehabilitation.
Her spirits are good. She will be spending this Thanksgiving in a home filled with love and on her special dog bed.
The SPCA of Clear Lake extended a deep and heartfelt thank you to Brenny and Williams for their selfless commitment to rehoming a badly abused pit bull. Their selfless acts have given Anna a happy ending.
Animal cruelty charges have been filed against the previous owner, and the SPCA said it would provide an update as more information becomes available.
Others can share that wonderful feeling of saving a life, of being a hero to that animal, by helping support other animals that are in desperate need of care.
If you would like to help with the cost of medical treatment for Anna or for other injured pets at the shelter, please make a donation to the SPCA of Clear Lake's Fund For Injured Pets.
Contributions are tax-deductible and can be sent to Mary Jane Montana, 8025 Highway 29, Kelseyville, CA 95451, or can be called in to 707-279-1400.
The SPCA of Clear Lake is a nonprofit charitable corporation. It's supported by volunteers and staff striving to find homes for all of its needy dogs and cats. They're focused on educating owners about responsible pet care to try to prevent future Honeys in Lake County.
Laura Pierce is a volunteer with the SPCA of Clear Lake, headquartered in Kelseyville, Calif.