Nickel

In 1998 Nickel was the first dog to be rescued and the founding resident of Margaret and Brian's Second Chance program. Poor Nickel had a very difficult start. He was horribly neglected and abused. When found, he had a training collar (also called a choke chain) that had cut deeply into his neck. It had been left on him so long that as he grew the skin of his next was torn open. The wound had engulfed the collar and had become very badly infected. Amador Animal Control picked him up and could not believe the condition this guy was in. He was taken to Dr Pillsbury, of Foothill Veterinary Clinic, who performed surgery to try and remove the collar. She also found a flea collar embedded in his neck.  After the surgery, Margaret and Brian took him home to begin a long recovery process.

Not only was this a team effort to rehabilitate Nickel, but Brian spent the Thanksgiving Holiday and a couple of weeks after that helping the Animal Control folks with the proper preparation for a search and case development which eventually lead to an arrest.

Everyone's efforts were well rewarded as Nickel recovered and his personality began to come out. He did well with training and loved the companionship when folks can out to play and spend time with him. He began to collect things around the ranch and bring them to the front porch. That started his reputation as a little pack rat. This was likely the first time that he ever had toys of his own.

All turned out well in the end. He was adopted into a great home where his is a loved and well kept pet and companion. All he needed was a chance, which was provided when the good folks at the Amador County Animal Shelter and Twin Cedar provided. It is not possible to save all the neglected and abused animals, but if everyone helps now and then one gets saved.

The following article appeared in the Ledger Dispatch in December of 1998:

Love and caring give Nickel new lease on life

BY TANA SCHIELD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
JACKSON - Nickel, the German Shepherd that was rescued by animal control officers four months ago in Volcano, is now available for adoption. The 12-month-old neutered male shepherd has fully recovered from the abuses he incurred. According to those who have been caring for him, Nickel is a playful, affectionate, well adjusted, intelligent dog.
    When officers found Nickel during a call regarding loose pot bellied pigs, Nickel was suffering from a massive infection that would have taken his life within days. A choke chain had cut into the puppy's flesh as it grew — over time causing an 8 to 10 inch long and 3 to 4 inch deep cut around his neck. The chain was found embedded in the young doc’s flesh, and upon removal, a flea collar was also found and extracted.
    Nickel was fed road kill and pets that had died. When found, Nickel was surviving on a rotting deer carcass and a dead pet python. The dog was kept near the carcasses on a 10-foot chain, which he had been attached to for the past nine months.
    Officers took custody of the three pigs and Nickel. Other animals found during the search were three cats, and approximately 150 rats living in five small, unkempt wire cages. The rats appeared not to have been recently fed. A second dead python was found, and a third was said to be loose, though it was never located and was thought to be dead. Exposure to weather possibly killed the snakes.
    All these animals belonged to Tessie M. Saum of Volcano, who is currently charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty.
    Dr. Allison Pillsbury of Foothill Veterinary Clinic in Jackson, and foster care providers, Brian and Margaret Blair of Jackson, have supplied both the short- and long-term care Nickel required to remain alive and to become a healthy, well-adjusted pet. Pillsbury preformed the initial surgery on Nickel to repair the damage caused by the choke chain and flea collar, and has continued to provide medical care throughout his recovery at reduced rates to the Blairs.
    The Blairs were able to offer training and a temporary home for Nickel. He has convalesced on their acreage, where he has had room to run, other dogs for companionship and socialization, and the care of experienced dog owners. He was taught basic obedience commands and is housebroken. According to the Blairs, he is good with adults, children, dogs, cats, and livestock — though he does like to chase birds — and travels well in cars. Nickel currently weighs 82 pounds and is expected to grow due to the large size of his paws.
    His foster family says Nickel is experiencing the joys of puppy hood all at once. A current activity is collecting objects from around the yard and placing these finds in a neat pile, which he then moves from place to place. He occupies himself for hours with this game. Playing with the Blairs’ two other German Shepherds is another of his pastimes.
     The Blairs would like to place Nickel in a household responsive to the special needs of a neglected animal, such as one with extra patience and time. In addition, they are looking for a potential owner who lives on an acreage, has a big fenced-in yard or who is very active — important considerations for this large, active breed.