A Heartbreaking Rescue Like Nothing Rescuers Had Seen Before
It was the worst case of neglect that rescuers at NorCal Bully Breed Rescue had ever encountered.
Chase, a Chihuahua, and his cocker spaniel companion, Buddy, were infested with fleas, suffering from untreated skin infections, and barely able to stand because of the pain. After 12 years of being confined inside a house with almost no care or attention, both dogs had lost nearly everything, except each other.
Years of Suffering Left Them Blind, Deaf, and in Critical Condition
Chase had lost all of his fur. His skin was so red, swollen, and damaged that he hardly looked like a dog. Buddy’s coat was severely matted and caked with years-old urine and feces, causing sores across his body.
Both dogs were blind. Both were almost completely deaf. And both had endured years of suffering, side by side.
Surrendered and Facing Euthanasia, Their Lives Took a Turn
In late October, the dogs’ owner surrendered them to a Martinez, California shelter because they were moving. Given their age and medical needs, Chase and Buddy would likely have been euthanized at the public shelter.
Thankfully, NorCal Bully Breed Rescue stepped in and immediately moved them into a foster home.
Treatment Begins, and Their Spirits Shine Through
Rescuers quickly began treating every condition they could:
- Flea infestations
- Painful skin infections
- Intestinal parasites
- Overgrown nails
- Nutritional deficiencies from years of poor-quality food
Despite everything they had endured, their foster mom, Kellie Murphy, said they showed nothing but love.
“They’re surprisingly very trusting of us and incredibly sweet”, Murphy told The Dodo. “They’re happiest when cuddled on someone’s lap, probably because they never had that. It’s a comfort for them because they can’t see or hear.”
Chase was also diagnosed with lymphoma and will begin treatment for the next six months. But even so, both dogs have already started growing stronger.
A Home Full of Love, And a Bond That Cannot Be Broken
For now, Chase and Buddy are living comfortably with Murphy’s family, which includes her husband, her 2-year-old daughter, and their Chihuahua–dachshund mix. Warm beds, soft sweaters, a yard to explore, everything is new and gentle.
But even in safety, some things never change:
“They’re super attached to each other”, Murphy said. “Wherever they are, they always sit right next to each other so that they’re touching. If we take one outside, the other screams until his friend returns.”
Their connection is unbreakable. It’s the one thing that kept them going through years of neglect.
Hope for Their Future, And Justice in Progress
Local law enforcement is conducting an active animal cruelty investigation against the dogs’ original owner.
Meanwhile, their foster family is giving them everything they never had: warmth, safety, affection, and stability.
“If all goes well over the next few months, we’re hoping they’ll be adoptable soon”, Murphy said. “If not, they can stay here with me as long as they want.”
