On Mother’s Day 2020 Argos received a call from an animal lover in dire need.

Elizabeth told us that 6 weeks ago she was made aware of more than 30 adult dogs, puppies, and nursing momma dogs living in and around a burned out mobile home in Veguita, NM ( a rural community in northern Soccoro county).

We found out from the neighbors that the owner and caretaker of these dogs had perished in a mobile home fire on December 1st 2019. Some of the dogs died in the fire but most escaped and made their way back to the burned out remains of the mobile home where they lived and tried to survive on their own for over 6 months. Some were shot or poisoned by neighbors.

For over 6 weeks Elizabeth and her husband Wayne had been making daily trips to Veguita to feed, coerce, and trap these dogs to get them to safety.

When Argos Rescue got the call we immediatly took action.

We were told that one of the remaining 7 dogs had a severe injury.

JOE’S STORY

With the help of Elizabeth and Wayne, after 6 days of trying to trap Joe, we were successful.

Joe came to Argos Rescue on a Friday. It was gut wrenching for all of us to see first hand the trauma and pain this boy had gone through.

Scrounging for food most likely, at some point Joe came in contact with a baited leg hold trap. Consequently, his lower jaw was completely snapped and torn off.

Trying to survive without a lower jaw.

Trying to find food.

Trying to protect himself without teeth.

Joe was repeatedly attacked by other dogs and predators. He suffered massive trauma to his entire body.

When Joe arrived at our vet he was ripped up from head to tail. Joe underwent 3 hours of emergency surgery to clean and sew up the bite wounds and sew bottom skin and bone together to reconstruct some sort of jaw for him.

We have high hopes for this beautiful black Labby boy. Joe has had a few more surgeries, he requires special food, adaptive food and water bowls, and tons of love and attention. More surgeries are likely in Joe’s future.

Joe currently lives with his long term hospice foster mom, dad, kiddo, and two other special needs dogs. Joe plays, loves his pack mates, and enjoys life. A few times a week Joe goes to the vet clinic and works all day with his foster mom. This beautiful boy has made a positive impact on every person he has met. Joe is a perfect ambassador for Argos, our mission, and all special needs pups.

Joe lives comfortably in his hospice foster home. He is safe, warm, very loved, and recieves all of the necessary medical and supportive care that he requires.

After Joe’s rescue, we learned that a local news station had done a story on the trailer fire and the loss of human life. There was no reason Joe, or any of these dogs should have been left to suffer like this. Please don’t hesitate to alert authorities, local rescues, and shelters when you see an animal in need. That’s what we are here for.

Joe will continue to be an Argos dog for the remainder of his life. We adore you Joe.