Within Wheeler Co, GA is a mobile home subdivision that serves as home to a number of low income families. The  mobile homes are all run-down, in need of repair and barely meet the minimum standard for human occupancy.  The trailer park also serves as home to a number of dogs and puppies who roam freely throughout the makeshift subdivision and are in a constant state of uncontrolled breeding and reproduction. While some of the residents claim to own some of the dogs, most of those people do not provide proper care to their dogs due to either not having the financial means or knowledge of how to do so. This has left most of the dogs suffering from various ailments with severe cases of skin issues, such as Demodex mange, affecting most of them. SoCo Rescue receives a number of request from the trailer park's residents seeking help for both owned and stray dogs at the location. While Scott Bennett was answering one such call, he noticed a young female Shepherd mix pup (Roxy) that had been labeled as a "park" dog, or one that had no actual owner. At approximately 4 months old at the time, Roxy was very apprehensive of people and would retreat to a safe distance from Scott when he'd tried to approach her.  Roxy was visibly suffering from a severe skin issue that left her missing fur and red, irritated skin. (See the last two pictures)Roxy would approach children so Scott employed the use of some children to help him catch her.

 

Roxy's first few weeks at SoCo were spent confined to a crate while receiving treatment of her Demodex mange. This type of mange is hereditary, not contagious, but does cause itchy and painful skin issues. Roxy was also very hesitant of us but did show a desire to interact with the other pups and dogs. Once she had cleared her quarantine status, Roxy was allowed to spend time playing with the other pups and immediately became best friends with a paralyzed young Bulldog named Mya who is very sociable towards people. With Mya's help, Roxy slowly became trusting of humans and even started playing with us. While she is still a bit timid, Roxy has made great progress in her socialization skills and for most likely the first time in her life, enjoying being a healthy and happy dog.

 

Roxy has now been fully vetted, receiving a full regiment of her annual vaccinations, de-wormings and monthly preventative care in addition to being spayed. She will need additional house and leash training and will benefit from sharing a home with another trained and playful dog being in the home. She'll also do very well in a home with older children who know how to properly interact with a dog. 

 

(NOTE: Roxy has been given Bravecto, a three month flea and tick preventative as it helps combat any form of mange. We strongly recommend continuing with the use of Bravecto. Consult with your veterinarian about Bravecto, which can be ordered online with a prescription from your vet's office.)