Caregivers' Love Is Justice For Dog

Just one peek into those happy chocolate brown eyes and Justice can melt hearts.

And that's exactly the power he held over the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Suncoast executive director Martha Murray.

"All he had to do was look at me," she said Wednesday.

A week ago, the 8-month-old black Labrador retriever was apparently homeless, starving and wandering around outside the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Port Richey when a couple spotted him.

Though the canine was wearing a collar, it was clear he hadn't been cared for in some time. With tears in their eyes, the young couple took him into the SPCA shelter on Congress Street, staff there said.

Each and every rib was easily visible through Justice's dark coat, said Karen Scully, the animal welfare agency's director of medical care. He weighed only 19 pounds when, at that age, he should weigh at least 40 pounds.

"I'm sure in a few days his functions would've shut down and we wouldn't be standing here today," Scully said.

Despite it all, Justice, as the SPCA staff dubbed him, was full of life and personality.

"To be as thin and emaciated, he still had that spirit in his eyes and was wagging his tail and was so trusting of humans," Murray said.

On Wednesday, Justice was up to 22.2 pounds and his frame had clearly filled out more.

He was still wagging his tail as Scully led him on a leash to the shelter's lobby, where he eagerly greeted strangers and then became even happier making them friends by licking their hands or toes and gently jumping up on their legs for a closer encounter.

Just days ago, his future was bleak.

"I wasn't quite sure how he was standing," Murray said.

Since his arrival at the shelter, Justice has been filled with fluids and given small portions of food to rebuild his digestive system and avoid getting a deadly condition called bloat, which is caused by eating too much too quickly.

His blood has been tested and he has been given vaccinations to protect his potentially compromised immune system, staff said.

Everything seems to be functioning properly and he doesn't have any signs of parasites.

He's not out of the woods yet, however.

"This whole process is going to take several months," Murray said. The main thing is making him stronger.

The staff will focus on getting his weight up to a more acceptable range but they think he will be small for life because he likely has never been properly cared for since birth.

When the veterinarian gives the word, Justice will be placed with foster parents who will continue nursing him back to health until he's ready for adoption, Murray said. Mostly, he needs love because that's something he probably has never had.

"He's going to make someone a great pet," Murray said.

HOW TO HELP

The SPCA Suncoast is seeking donations for Justice's continued care and rehabilitation. To contribute, call (727) 849-1048; e-mail info@SPCAsuncoast.org; visit www.SPCAsuncoast.org; or drop by 7734 Congress St., New Port Richey.