In July 2023, two dogs were found in critical condition on the side of the road in Brooklyn, NY. Their bodies were emaciated, and they were too weak to stand. This disgusting act of cruelty happened in our own backyard.
The moment we came across the plea for help on Facebook, Jennifer Brooks, President and Founder of the rescue, raced to the scene to save them. When she arrived, the finder informed her that she had been sitting with them for over four hours, sending out pleas for help. Jennifer rushed both dogs to a critical care hospital where the doctors are actively providing life-saving care.
They were petrified, and didn’t even realize that help had arrived. Both dogs were in serious condition, and we instructed the hospital to provide any and all life-saving measures. This horrendous crime was reported to the NYPD.
The medical team worked hard to stabilize them. Both dogs were frail, severely dehydrated, and covered in sores. The fear in their eyes will haunt our team for years to come.
We named the brother Aiden (top), and his sister, Angel (bottom). All the pain and trauma they have endured is a thing of the past. Whatever comes next, whatever destiny has in store for these two precious dogs, will happen with the support, love, and compassion of our entire community behind them.
On the second day we learned the little girl, Angel, was the most critical. She was so dehydrated that even getting blood to run a panel was difficult.Angel’s liver and kidney values and white blood cell count were elevated, likely due to muscle deterioration and starvation. The medical team debrided the pressure sores and wounds covering her body but could not close all of the wounds yet, and they would try again after a few days.
Aiden was in stable condition. However, his blood work showed changes consistent with starvation. He had lacerations on his legs and a road rash on his scrotum.They bathed him and cleaned his wounds. Although he was the most stable of the two, he was absolutely terrified. Aiden was so kind and gentle, but there was real, deep-seated fear behind those precious eyes.
Aiden and Angel were being closely monitored for refeeding syndrome, a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when food is reintroduced after prolonged malnutrition. The doctors were rechecking their electrolytes periodically. It would take a few days to ensure their bodies absorbed the food properly; we remained hopeful.
Our animal activist board member, attorney Nora Constance Marino, remained in direct contact with the NYPD. Brooklyn News12, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox Five News covered Angel and Aiden’s story.
On the second week, the duo was released from the emergency hospital and moved to a step-down clinic. As they left the hospital, their medical team lined up to see them off, and our hearts burst. Veterinarians are heroes!Aiden and Angel remained at the clinic with our veterinary partners until they became stronger.
The police took this investigation very seriously and worked to find the person(s) responsible for the trauma and abuse that these poor souls endured. We want to thank the NYPD for doing what is right.We must hold people accountable for animal cruelty. We must be the voice for the voiceless. We must be the change.
A month later, Jennifer Brooks took these sweet pups on an outing to get some fresh air and new goodies. Seeing them walk around, wag their tails, and explore the world was a greater gift than we could have ever dreamed.And that same day, we were delighted to share that Aiden and Angel are adopted and will be leaving the hospital together in the arms of their forever family.
Thank you to everyone far and wide who donated toward Aiden and Angel’s care and for every prayer said. There is no Second Chance Rescue without our community.