Miles, the dog, was rescued from a vacant lot near Ortigas. The bodies of his two other canine companions were found on the same vacant lot. Cause of death: possibly sickness arising from lack of nutrition and exposure to the elements.
Miles himself was very sick when he was rescued. He also tested positive for heartworm - which made him a candidate for euthanasia at the PAWS Shelter.
Below is an e-mail sent to Ms. Valeri Horne today, June 30, 2010
Dear Valeri,
A year ago, when I toured you at our quarantine kennels, you asked me about a sickly, wheezing black dog. I told you that his name was "Miles' and that he was due to be euthanized because he tested positive for heatworm and that PAWS cannot afford to pay P16,000 (sixteen thousand pesos) for a single dog without compromising the monthly PARC budget.
At that instant, you whipped out your check book and said you will pay for the treatment.
I had told you that Miles had a slim chance of recovering fully- but I remember you saying that what matters to you is that this dog gets every chance he has at a good life, and that you would help him.
Things have been busy for us, as you probably can tell. There's always a lot of rescuing and educating to be done at the shelter. I realize now that I have failed in giving you a satisfactory update on Miles' treatment.
It is my pleasure to send this e-mail to you now and report that Miles is a completely new dog (see attached photo).
His black fur is thicker and more vibrant, he has put on weight and there is an undeniable happiness in the way he carries himself as he "trots".
He occasionally still wheezes, and we were in fear all this time that the treatment has not completely healed him.
The best news came a month ago: a recent heartworm test revealed that he is, after months of treatment, heartworm-free! =)
Miles has joined the other dogs in Dog Run 1 - where all healthy, adoptable dogs are placed.
This week, we are about to include him in the 'dogs for adoption' ads that we give to our friends and supporters.
Valeri, I hope you believe me when I say that Miles has personally asked me to tell you to give you his "woof" of thanks for believing that he can make it and for funding his treatment.
Thank you, Valeri, from Miles and everyone at PAWS.
Sincerely,
Anna
Our life-saving work needs your support. Please donate. It will go a long way in helping homeless dogs and cats hoping for a second chance at a good life.
P 300 or US$ 7 (Staff & Volunteer Support)
will help sustain office and maintenance personnel that keep the shelter running
P 500 or US$ 12 (Utilities & Maintenance)
will help pay the rent, water, communication and electricity bills
P 1,000 or US$ 23 (Immediate Shelter Needs)
will help feed a shelter dog for one month or fully vaccinate a shelter dog or cat against diseases
P 3,000 or US$ 68 (Spay-Neuter Fund)
will help spay a female cat or dog preventing hundreds of unwanted kittens and puppies from being born
P 5,000 or US$ 113 (Medical Fund)
will help in the long-term veterinary treatment of an abused dog or cat, or any other animal in need of special care at our shelter