A True Survivor
Gimly is a true rescue survivor. He was in a high-kill shelter in Northern California and had been there for 14 days, unwanted and unloved. His situation was heartbreaking. While combing the internet for adoptable dogs, I saw his picture and instantly fell in love. It didn’t take long for me to contact the shelter.
A Grim Prognosis
A shelter representative informed me that Gimly was very old, very sick, and they were planning to put him down. According to the rep, he wasn’t worth saving. This little furry baby was on Death Row—simply for being old and sick. But I’ve made it my mission to rescue all Poms in my area, and this guy was not going to be left behind. Although I couldn’t pick him up myself, I arranged for my friend to get him out of the shelter as soon as possible.
Gimly’s Condition: A Heartbreaking Sight
My friend Lisa cried the entire way home. Gimly was a mess, and she didn’t want me to see him in that condition. When I finally did, it was worse than I imagined. He had no hair except for a small patch on his head and legs. His frail body was skin and bones—you could see his skeleton. His entire body was covered in a black, oily substance that turned out to be motor oil. I thought I was rescuing him from a shelter, not a mechanic’s garage! Even now, I’m stunned when I think about it.
Gimly’s First Vet Visit
After bringing him home and cleaning him up, we took Gimly to the vet the next day. To our surprise, the vet told us he was actually young, but very sick. The doctor didn’t think he would survive the week. His little body was poisoned from the motor oil, his liver and kidneys had shut down, and his blood was filled with infections. Despite this grim prognosis, Gimly’s eyes told a different story. His eyes seemed to say, “Just give me a little love, and I’ll make you proud.”
Gimly’s Fight for Survival
Looking at him, barely weighing one pound and lying there poisoned, I decided that Gimly was going to live. He was going to get the help he needed. It was a long, tough struggle. We lived week by week, and at times his condition worsened, filling us with worry. But slowly, Gimly gained weight—each ounce a cause for celebration. It took six months for him to gain two pounds and start regrowing some of his hair. Just as we thought he was on the road to recovery, he broke out in horrific sores, bleeding day and night. Despite the agony, Gimly kept fighting.
A Miracle in the Making
Despite all the infections, motor oil poisoning, and setbacks, Gimly survived. He now weighs a healthy 4 pounds and has far exceeded our expectations. He even survived a serious setback about eight months ago but has since remained stable. Gimly is our little miracle.
Gimly’s New Life as a SpokesPom
After I was in a terrible accident and ended up in ICU, Gimly was allowed to stay with me at the hospital. He was a great companion, and I believe I healed faster because of him. Now, Gimly travels with me and my other rescue Poms and has become the face and spokesPom for our rescue, Pom E Ranch in Hesperus, Colorado.
Gimly’s Legacy
Gimly is now three and a half years old. He loves children, adults, and is always gracious with other dogs. He is the heart of our rescue Pomeranian efforts. For every Pom like Gimly, and for all the Poms still waiting for forever homes, we will continue to rescue. Gimly is truly one in a million. Even the vet calls him a miracle, and we couldn’t agree more. In honor of his amazing story, we even gave him his own fan page! https://www.facebook.com/GimlyTheRaggamuffinPommie
Related Posts:
A Pomeranian Rescue Story: Punkin the Pomeranian
A Pommy Mommy Rescue Story “Barry the Black Pomeranian”
A Pommy Mommy Rescue Story: “Kojo the Pomeranian”