Stray Found Dragging Chain Around His Neck

Elijah was a stray. He just turned up on someone's porch one day in terrible shape, dragging about two feet of chain with him everywhere he went. Who knows how long he had been on his own! His fur was dirty and matted and clumps of hair were missing. He looked like he had been struggling to survive for some time, and was desperate for a little compassion. He was exhausted. 

At first, he growled. He was scared, unsure what to expect from strangers. But as those strangers set about helping him--finally freeing him from the dragging chain, shaving the dirty mats off his body--he began to open up. With just a little kindness, he seemed to become a whole new dog. Ready to play, and show off his favorite tennis ball. 

We are still learning so much about Elijah. For instance, we're learning that he loves big fluffy beds and toys. He loves playing tug-of-war and playing with his tennis ball. For all we know, this might be the first time in his life that he has ever enjoyed such simple luxuries. It's hard not to spoil him!

Elijah has had a rough past. Homeward Trails wants to make sure his future is so much better. 

But first, we have to get him checked out by a vet and get him feeling his best! Elijah appears to have some deafness. And he definitely has some problems in his rear legs. He is an old dog, and definitely in need of a dental to relieve what must be excruciating pain in his gums and teeth! Truth is, we won't know for sure what is going on or how best to help him without bloodwork, x-rays, and the advice of a veterinarian.