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He was my first foster and the reason I got so far into rescue work as I did. He changed my entire perspective.”
             – Stacie Johnson

“He showed us pure love, even after the abuse he had suffered.
              – Bev Adopter

Baxter first came to Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue in August 2021 on a transport from Stockton, California. Stacie Johnson welcomed him into her home as her very first foster. M2BL had been told Baxter was a healthy 3 year old but Stacie noticed his back end was really weak and his eyes were a little foggy. He was also full of fleas and had a nasty case of kennel cough.

Stacie quickly got him a vet appointment and got him some medication. The local veterinarian estimated Baxter to be more like 7 or 8 and noted that the fogginess in his eyes was due to age, not cataracts. The veterinarian was also concerned about his hips. Wanting to know if it was arthritis or hip dysplaysia it was decided he would be x-rayed when he came to be neutered a couple of months later.

The x-rays showed everything Stacie and the veterinarian feared – and worse. Baxter was suffering from hip dysplaysia, secondary arthritis, and more than 30 pellets lodged in his pelvis and back legs. It appeared as though someone used him as target practice or shot a gun at him as he ran away. The news broke Stacie’s heart.

Soon it became apparent that Baxter had some odd behavioural issues as well. He would appear to attack other dogs, but wouldn’t hurt them. He simply held them down by the scruff of their neck until he decided to let them go. It was possible he was trained to do that. It only happened twice when Stacie was with him and she found it difficult to watch. However, despite the abuse and neglect they imagined he had been through, he was very loving and trusting with humans. He was happy to cuddle and be near people. Her time with Baxter is what got Stacie more involved in rescue work, becoming a passionate advocate.

After four months with Stacie, Baxter was adopted by Bev and Glenn. He remained with them, surrounded by love, until he passed over the rainbow bridge.

We’re so glad the last years of Baxter’s life were so much better than the first years.