Adopt-a-pet: an unlucky dog

This poor guy, ID# A3889251 at the Downey animal shelter, is a real sweetheart, according to shelter staff and volunteers.  He's listed as a 3-year-old shepherd mix, but we bet his three years have seemed much longer to him. 

For starters, his left front leg has been amputated (but healed nicely, as evidenced by his photos here) and he has his fair share of scars.  Sadly, that's just the start.

He arrived at the Downey shelter after his owner's arrest.  A friend of the owner claimed the dog after the arrest, but then inexplicably dropped him back at the owner's vacant home, uncared for and alone.  He was found there in early October and brought to the shelter -- where he's been ever since. 

Despite his bad luck, "he remains happy and good-natured," says Patricia Learned of the L.A. County Department of Animal Care & Control.  She also tells us that he is surprisingly strong despite his disability.

Although he gets along with everyone, shelter staffers think he might prefer a home where he can be the only dog, since he's at a bit of a disadvantage with his four-limbed counterparts.  (As Patricia tells us, "other dogs tend to bully him, push him out of the way and take his food, which makes him a little bit frustrated.")  Upshot: He could use a break.

You can learn more about him on the shelter's website or by calling (562) 940-6898 with his ID number.  Or you can always visit in person -- the Downey shelter is at 11258 S. Garfield Ave.

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photos: Patricia Learned, L.A. County Department of Animal Care & Control