Gandalf's Journey: A Tale of Resilience and Hope
This week I participated in a transport that upset me to my core. It was a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of dog ownership – one marred by neglect, abuse, and the horrors of dog fighting. Meet Gandalf, a 10-year-old pit mix with a heart of gold and a spirit that refuses to be broken. As he stepped out of his temporary foster house, it was immediately apparent that Gandalf had endured unimaginable suffering. His body, once vibrant and strong, now bore the scars of a lifetime of mistreatment. Gandalf's story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Covered in scars, with a deep gash around his neck from a rope or chain, and missing teeth – evidence of the barbaric practice of shaving down teeth to prevent fighting back – Gandalf's physical wounds tell only part of the tale. Despite the trauma he has endured, Gandalf's spirit remains unbroken. He greeted me with a wagging tail and an eagerness to please, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and longing for a bet...