It was 2 pm on a sunny afternoon when Castaway Critters received the phone call "there is a stray dog in my yard that has been shot." The Castaway volunteer was in shock when she arrived and saw the large hole in the dog's right front leg. He had lost a great deal of blood and gangrene had set in in his wound.

No one knows how many days had passed since he was shot and had searched for a kind soul to help him. The good Samaritan that called Castaway placed him gently in the Castaway van and he was quickly transported to Copper Basin Animal Clinic in McCaysville, GA.

Dr. Mitchell and his staff went into action to save the dog we named Roscoe. Unfortunately, Roscoe's leg had to be amputated and it was questionable if he would make it through the night, but HE MADE IT! The first week after surgery he stayed at the clinic, then was boarded another week at 'Just One Of The Family Kennel' while he regained his strength.

The Castaway shelter was full, so an ad was placed in the paper for a foster home for Roscoe. Several individuals offered their homes and one very special lady was chosen to be his new foster mom.

It was love at first sight between dog and human. After being with Roscoe for a couple of days, his name was changed to COURAGE, and after several more weeks it was decided that Courage had found his forever home.

His new adoptive mom had shared with us that Courage loves other dogs in her home, he cries when he hears the noise of a gunshot, when given a blanket he makes it into a pillow for himself, he loves his tummy rubbed and he smiles when he is happy.

There are some things in life we do not understand, such as humans being so cruel to helpless animals, but thankfully there are good and kind people who will do all they can to help make life better for those critters who have been neglected, abused and abandoned. We're happu for Courage that he has been adopted into a wonderful loving home where he can now be the special dog he was meant to be.

*If you know of an animal being neglected, abused or abandoned, call Castaway!