Three Dobermans Assisted by VAPAWS Volunteers

In early November 2000, two red female Dobermans were given to a VA PAWS member. Their owner was not caring for them adequately and with Animal Control and the Town Authorities pressuring her, the owner voluntarily gave up ownership.

The two young girls were terribly unsocialized; they would cower or run when approached in the kennel. They were malnourished and probably had no veterinary care, except for puppy shots. These Dobermans had actually been running loose around the neighborhood and back woods, occasionally coming to the house to sleep or see what food might be out for them. The owner even stated how hard it was to catch them and put them in the truck.

Another VA PAWS member, Lila Borge Wills, contacted Doberman Assistance and Rescue and Education ( D.A.R.E.) of northern Virginia. They were able to accept these Dobermans into their rescue program. By the time transportation was arranged, the girls had started to warm up to people.

The Two Sisters

When the owner relinquished ownership, she stated that she had another Doberman that was extremely difficult to catch, and was very afraid of people. The owner said when she could get some friends to help her corner the dog, she would give up ownership of her as well. As the transport time for the two red Dobermans came and went, the owner said she had not caught the dog, and that she wanted to try and keep her herself.

Another VA PAWS member, Jessica Rexroth, became concerned with this "fawn" Doberman, and went to the neighborhood to try and spot her. After sitting awhile near the woods, she finally caught a glimpse of the dog. Jessica then talked to neighbors and Animal Control Officers, where she discovered that the Dobe's owner had been neglecting her pets this way for over two years. Jessica was able to borrow a large live trap from the Humane Society of Montgomery County, and received permission from a concerned neighbor to set the trap up on his property.

Weeks passed and with the help of Christy Smith, another VAPAWS member, the trap was diligently checked and reset daily. There were a couple of near captures of the "Grey Ghost" Dobe and a lot of cats and opossums were caught and released. Later, another neighbor allowed the use of his property, and with Veterinarian prescribed Acepromazine laden Vienna Sausages, the Doberman was partially sedated. Unfortunately, capture eluded the volunteers yet again.

In mid-December, with the owner of the dog becoming agitated with the constant parade of people trying to help this dog and fear of possible legal issues, she threatened to shoot the dog. Two VA PAWS members approached this woman again about the Doberman. After some discussion, the owner relinquished ownership to the VA PAWS members.

"Ellie Blue"

The trap was moved onto a path leading from the previous owner's house. Early on a windy morning in December, Christy spotted the elusive girl in the trap. She was fairly quiet being lifted in to the vehicle, as though she was tired of running and ready to give up. She was taken directly to the veterinarians for a complete physical, vaccinations, and treatment of wounds.

D.A.R.E. agreed to accept "Ellie Blue" into their system , transport was provided by VA PAWS member Nancy Bauer, to northern Virginia. Ellie was placed into foster care with one of her sisters, and all three are making tremendous progress and should be in permanent homes as you read this.

This is just another example of how one person's neglect and disregard for animals, can be overshadowed by the commitment and devotion of animal lovers to those in need of help.