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Baby's Story
Baby is an 11 year old Samoyed who arrived at the Brooklyn ACC (Animal Care & Control) on February 7, 2011 as a stray. Baby had previously been adopted from the ACC and her owner was identified via Baby's implanted microchip. Due to Baby's physical, medical and emotional condition the ACC contacted the ASPCA to evaluate her case for cruelty and neglect. The ASPCA allegedly did an initial investigation but declined to further pursue the case and as a result, Baby was picked up by her owner on February 15, 2011 despite the fact that 1) ACC staff believed Baby should not have been released to her owner, 2) a Samoyed rescue was willing to pull her out of the shelter through the ACC's New Hope Program, and 3) a woman who is very familiar with this breed and had been in contact with the Samoyed rescue was willing to adopt her. Baby was also guaranteed transport to the rescue and if need be, her new home. 

This is an injustice.

Based on the information gathered we intend to do whatever possible to make sure Baby is removed from her current environment and offered rehabilitation with an organization or individual that is qualified to evaluate and care for Baby's specific needs. Our core Team Baby is made up of volunteers who have been deeply affected by this injustice. We are supported by a larger community that is also dedicated to getting Justice for Baby. 

Simply put, we want a wrong righted. A mistake corrected. We want Baby rescued from what appears to be a life of deprivation. No dog should ever be allowed to deteriorate to this condition and then be placed back at the mercy of those who were responsible for her deterioration. The long term maltreatment Baby appears to have been subjected to violates not only the ACC's adoption agreement the adopter/owner signed in 2004 but also meets the standards of animal cruelty under NY State Law. 

We are respectfully requesting of those in a position of authority that Baby either be surrendered by or seized from her current owners and allowed to retire from whatever role she has been forced to endure, which we strongly suspect is that of a shop/lot dog, so that she may live out the rest of her days as every dog should; loved, protected, and cared for. We also respectfully request that the owner be held legally responsible for the crime of animal abuse.

Baby is the one who deserves a second chance, not her owners.

(Below is documentation that accompanied Baby’s photo that was taken upon her arrival at the ACC)
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Brooklyn Center

My name is BABY. My Animal ID # is A888287. I am a spayed female w...hite samoyed. The shelter thinks I am about 11 years old.

I came in the shelter as a STRAY on 02/07/2011 from NY 11201, owner surrender reason stated was CRUELTY.

Reason for New Hope: DISEAS-ILL.

EUTH MEMO

No Euth Memo

MOST RECENT MEDICAL RATING, BEHAVIOR RATING & MEDICAL ENTRY

02/14/2011 Exam Type RE-EXAM - Medical Rating is 4 NC - SEVERE CONDITIONS NOT CONTAGIOUS, Behavior Rating is NO CONCERN, Weight 30.4 LBS.

QAR. Appears to be responding to tx. Still walks with head down. Swelling around face and neck reduced. Left ear still very infected wounds. Pus discharging from wound. Condition not suitable for surgery at this time but may need surgical intervention if not responding well. Cont on antibiotic treatment meanwhile. Flush and clean wounds. Baytril 2 cc sid x 7 days + novalsan - clean wounds + otibiotic.

PET PROFILE

No Summary

WEB MEMO

No Web Memo

BEHAVIOR EVALUATION -

No Behavior Summary

02/07/2011 INITIAL PHYSICAL EXAM

Medical rating was 4 NC - SEVERE CONDITIONS NOT CONTAGIOUS, behavior rating was NO CONCERN

SCAN POSITIVE#455E7B3763 TRACED BACK TO OLD A559488 QAR AMB X4 TOLERATES HANDLING AND PETTING SEVERELY MATTED COAT BI-LATERAL EAR INFECTION,PUS OOZING HR-140B/M,RR-40 B/M MODE TARTAR AND GINGIVITIS,NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS GERIATRIC 

Weight 36.0 
 
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The picture above depicts what 12 and 13 1/2 year old healthy, yet not perfectly groomed Samoyeds look like. The picture below is a general representation of what most know a Samoyed to look like. It has been confirmed by Dr. McManamon that Baby’s coat condition could have taken an estimated 5 years to look like it does.
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Veterinarian Statement
This is certainly a neglected dog regardless of breed. Since she is a Samoyed, it is worse as the coat should be white. Baby appears depressed given her posture in the picture; her head, ears and tail are down and she is not looking at the picture taker. Baby's coat is in appalling condition which can lead to dermatitis and general discomfort. The matting takes away from the insulation factor of the undercoat so she would be colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. The poor coat condition can also lead to fly larvae (maggot) infestation come warmer weather. This is often a fatal condition as it happens rapidly in older, neglected outdoor dogs. Baby also appears to have a mandibular (jaw) mass. She has a red lesion on her nose which appears to be caused by rubbing her head and nose on something. You can see white along the top of her muzzle and head. The matting and filth constitute years of neglect.

I just read the medical which adds to my take that this has been years of neglect. My entire evaluation was from the picture. Bilateral otitis, infected wounds and periodontal disease scream of long term neglect. Otitis is painful. Come summer, Baby would quickly become maggot infested with her infected wounds which were a result of the severity of matting. I don't recommend shaving a double coated breed except in extreme circumstances and I would advise shaving Baby. Glad it's been done.  The undercoat in double coated breeds acts as insulation. So it keeps them warm in winter AND cool in summer. That is why I very strongly discourage shaving these dogs. Sammies also have very pink skin and if shaved, are prone to sunburn. They will also have difficulty thermoregulating (keeping body temperature normal). I've had Sammies in my life since 1988 and I have never seen a Sammie with a coat this bad.

Sometimes owners are given a second chance but Baby is 11 and if they haven't figured it out in 11 years, I don't think they will. Samoyeds are a versatile breed: they hunt, herd, pull sleds and in their native Siberia, keep their Samoyed people warm at night. They are truly indoor/outdoor dogs. But they, and ALL dogs, need companionship. No dog should be sent outdoors and ignored/neglected. In my opinion, neglect of this measure is a form of abuse in that it causes pain and discomfort to Baby.

Kathleen McManamon, DVM
Volunteer for Northern Illinois Samoyed Assistance


Animal Control Officer Statement
Hi, my name is Mayra and I've been an Animal Control Officer for almost three years. I know it may seem that 3 years is nothing compared to others who have been in the field 10, 15 or even 30 but I honestly have seen it all. I've been bitten, charged, sprayed (that's only by the animals!) but ultimately, I've rescued. In order to stay in the animal control field, you have to learn keep your emotions at bay in order to help those who cannot help themselves, grow a thick skin essentially.  So when I first saw Baby's picture, I assumed it was a "before" picture and the "after" was just around the corner with the beginning, middle and ending of the case. I was honestly horrified to learn that not only was there no cruelty case against the owner but that Baby was actually given back. As an ACO, failing one animal is one fail too many and it stays with us no matter how many others we rescue. I realized early that in my profession, you cannot save every single one but the ones that we can deserve everything from a secure warm shelter with food to a peaceful ending to a hard life. The need to right this wrong is incredible and we will not stop until we know Baby is safe and sound, enjoying life's pleasures with people who truly care for her. If we cannot reach Baby in time, we will continue the fight and seek justice for her.  If anyone has any valuable information in regards to Baby, please contact us. All it takes is one voice to make a difference. 

Mayra Perez
Animal Control Officer 

Samoyed Rescue Statement 
I have known and dealt with the Samoyed breed since 1987, first as a breeder and exhibitor in the conformation arena and then as a rescuer for the last 12+ years.  I and my rescue group were featured on the Animal Planet's 'Breed All About It' show on Samoyeds.  In my opinion Baby should not have been returned to an environment that allowed her to get into the condition she was in when photographed.  We would like for her to come to us as soon as possible so she can live the life she deserves, good food, proper vet care, proper grooming and lots of love.

Danielle
President
MidAtlantic Samoyed Rescue