Cowabunga had been living in a cage at Chicago ACC for 105 days and he was starting to shut down.
He was a big, handsome and athletic boy trapped in a cage day in and day out.
He only left that cage every three to four days for 15-30 minutes. Those 15 minutes twice a week were the only times he could lie in the sun, on the grass and smell all the smells that dogs love to enjoy.
Those fifteen minutes were the only time he had to stretch his legs, run, hear the encouraging voice or feel the tender touch of a volunteer handler.
https://youtu.be/ycHIsxVCIms?si=f4DeZPhPs93pInXl
The rest of the time he sat in that cage, smeared in his own urine and feces. Waiting. Surrounded by the loud sounds of 200 dogs barking, yelping, whimpering. That’s how all the dogs there live. Waiting.
And the volunteers adored him. https://youtu.be/CrnhTQTBUEg?si=sQnH5-WmVfTEjFyo
”Cowabunga is ridiculous as his name (which really fits his personality). He can both body slam x games style and gingerly receive treats like he’s taking all the etiquette classes. His shirt says “I do what I want”. Sums him right up.”
”Cowabunga's face matches his name perfectly. He has that slight mischievous look in his eye coupled with a good boy smile. Cowabunga is both X Games athletic and cream puff softie once he settles and gets some fresh air. He is young and bored and getting stressed living in a kennel day after day without much enrichment.”
”He acts like a goofy puppy but in a supersized body. Cowabunga thinks everything is a game and the world is his stage. He can do x-games style jumps out of nowhere. He also thinks the leash is a chew toy but only to get a treat to stop. He’s a smart boy and figured out our cheat codes almost immediately. Cowabunga isn’t all doofus though. He has a really well behaved calm side too. He knows some commands and loves to be pet. His pudgy body is made for snugs.”
https://youtu.be/TOQKuAwJJqo?si=b0Q2VgboQaqfd_ie
”� COWABUNGA'S DOGGIE DAY OUT! �
“Cowabunga has been living in a kennel for over 105 days. � He gets out maybe 2 hours of the 168 hour week.....just think about that. �
You might question why he jumps at you for attention or sometimes does some leash-biting because he is frustrated & so bored of living in a kennel. If I only had 2 hours of free time in my week......I can't even imagine.
These pics from his Doggie Day Out show how he could be if he had a chance at a real home with a family that loved him. The odds are stacked against him. There are 200+ other dogs at CACC all hoping for a home. Cowabunga needs to be the only pet in the household so that is another hurdle for him. I don't know what the future holds but I have to admit it gets me sick inside that animals have to pay the price because humans are so irresponsible. I'm really hoping that he gets that chance......also a big thank you to DELOIS (who is not on fb) for joining Cowabunga on his adventure today.”
Chicago Animal Care and Control then decided the next day to kill him.
One of my fellow networkers and I have confided in each other that we wake up each night from a nightmare: this innocent pup is taken out of his cage and thinks he’s going out again…on another day out, excited. Then he smells all the smells that bring dread to his heart. He freezes in his tracks. He knows where he’s going.
”Animals die a spiritual death before they are murdered. Their heart breaks, they are terrified beyond belief and they are utterly saddened, shocked and disappointed in the humans that have failed to protect them for doing absolutely nothing wrong.”