Dog who needs a home

I got an e-mail recently from the Joan Vercruse, the vice president of the Animal Rescue Foundation in Beacon.

Maybe someone will read it and be moved to action.

Here it is:

My name is Joan Vercruse. I have been a volunteer with the Animal Rescue Foundation for over 10 years. ARF is a "No-kill" shelter for dogs and cats in Beacon, NY. I am writting to you in regards to a story I hope you may help us get into the news to help a really sweet dog.

On this past Friday the 13th of February a good person found a dog on the side of the road that appeared to have been hit by a car, because when she stopped the dog could hardly stand. The woman used her cell phone to call 411 and used her gps to get the dog to our shelter within 10 minutes of finding the pup.

I wrapped the pup in a blanket and our President Barbara Shea got him to the vet ASAP. Well after a full exam and tons of x-rays and blood work the conclusion is that "Joey" has deformities in all four of his legs from birth. Which leads me the saddest part of this.

There is no way he could have walked to the side of the road. He was most likely left there by someone who has probably become desperate during these very hard economic times and felt they had no choice.

But here is the upside: As long as he lives he will have a home at ARF but a better end to the story would be if with a little press and a good pic someone might just find it in their hearts to open their home to this "special pup."

Joey is 8-10 years old and completely house broken (just carry all 15 lbs of him out to a clear spot and he does all his business). He has a great appetite and loves to cuddle. If you could help with getting a story about Joey in the Journal I would be forever grateful.

You can check out that we are for real by going to www.arfbeacon.org.

Again thank you for any help you can offer.

Vercruse said Joey's front legs are deformed at the carpis (aka wrist). "He sort of waddles like a duck. There is no long term care being called for at this time ... just love."

The number for ARF is 845-831-5161.