Upon their initial encounter, Joey Maxwell and his spouse were captivated by Maverick, who resided in an animal shelter on the brink of demise, being malnourished and gaunt. Compassionately, they decided to adopt him, assimilating him into their family, and relishing in six delightful years together. Consequently, when the disheartening news of Maverick’s lymphoma diagnosis surfaced a couple of years ago, Maxwell devoted himself entirely to assisting his beloved canine in conquering cancer. Astonishingly, the initial course of chemotherapy administered yielded positive results, providing a glimmer of hope for Maverick’s recovery.
About two months back, the illness resurfaced, causing him to lose his ability to walk. Consequently, the owner made the decision to transport the adorable canine on a wagon. Initially, the intention was simply to bring some happiness into Mav’s final days, but unexpectedly, an extraordinary impact was observed on the doggie’s well-being.
Maxwell, in conversation with CBS News, mentioned that when they remove him from a particular environment, he tends to vocalize his presence by barking towards anyone who crosses his path. This behavior continues until someone kindly caresses him, which, according to Maxwell, depicts his belief that every soul in the world exists solely to provide him with affection.
And it is quite possible that he is correct. The overwhelming flow of affection and encouragement that Maxwell and his furry companion receive is truly remarkable. As a testament to this, Maxwell recently received a remarkable 50% discount on a wagon after sharing his heartfelt story, a touching moment that brought tears to both Maxwell and the kind-hearted Lowe’s cashier. These days, whenever the people in Maxwell’s small community catch a glimpse of Maverick, they instantly recognize him and gravitate towards him to shower the lovable pup with affection. It is abundantly clear that Maverick is thriving and growing stronger with each passing day, perhaps because he simply adores those joyous rides in the wagon.
“We find ourselves in a great position as we truly grasp the immense value Mav holds for countless individuals, along with the fact that he has genuinely experienced an equal measure of their affection and support.”
COVID-19: Rescue dogs shot dead in Australia over coronavirus restrictions
A council in Australia killed the impounded animals to prevent volunteers at an animal shelter from travelling to pick them up and potentially spreading the virus.
Fifteen rescue dogs, including 10 puppies, have been shot dead by a rural Australian council under its interpretation of coronavirus restrictions.
Bourke Shire Council in New South Wales destroyed the canines, which had been at its pound, to prevent volunteers at an animal shelter from travelling to pick them up and potentially spreading the virus.
“The council decided to take this course of action to protect its employees and community, including vulnerable Aboriginal populations, from the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” the Office of Local Government, a government watchdog, told The Sydney Morning Herald.
The spokesman said officials were investigating whether any animal cruelty laws had been broken.
Five of the dogs had been housed at the pound since early August and one of the dogs then had 10 pups.
The council said staff became concerned for the welfare of the animals due to overcrowding at the pound and two of the dogs attacking one of the others.
A source said the shelter volunteers were distressed and already had COVID-safe measures in place to handle the dogs.
And comedian Ricky Gervais has expressed his disapproval of the killings on social media.
Bourke Shire Council told ABC News the dogs were euthanised because the rescue organisation was from another local government area and they had concerns about people from other communities entering Bourke.
All of regional New South Wales has “stay-at-home” orders in place due to COVID-19.
The council said it had contacted its usual dog rehomer, who is based in the same area, but they were unable to come to Bourke.
The shelter that was supposed to receive the dogs declined to comment.
Animal Liberation regional campaign manager Lisa Ryan has called for an urgent investigation.
“We are deeply distressed and completely appalled by this callous dog shooting and we totally reject [the] council’s unacceptable justifications that this killing was apparently undertaken as part of a COVID-safe plan,” she said.
Australia has recently seen a surge in COVID-19 cases, forcing the country’s largest city, Sydney, to extend its lockdown through September and impose tougher restrictions, such as a curfew and a mask mandate outdoors.
Staff are allowed to work at animal shelters even when lockdown measures are in place, according to the Office of Local Government spokesman.
“Councils are also encouraged to continue to work with re-homing organisations and volunteers to care for animals, where that can be undertaken consistent with NSW Health advice,” he added.
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