Animal Abuse Brings Advocacy Groups Together

By: Brittany Shane | WSAV News 3
Published: February 13, 2012

Kikoa seems to be on the mend now, but just a couple of days ago he was on death's doorstep, until folks at the Effingham County Animal Shelter, and the H.O.P.E organization stepped in.

"When I seen the condition he was in, and his demeanor, I just couldn't turn him away, even though we didn't have any funds," said Pat Manser, founder of H.O.P.E.

Kikoa had severe wounds to his entire body, and he was extremely underweight.

"He's just suffered a lot, and he has been tortured, and he's been used, and it was H.O.P.E's purpose to take him and make him whole again and get him to have a good life."

Now, H.O.P.E is paying for all of Kikoa's medical bills, and after he's done with treatment he'll go up to Bluffton where the Malachi Foundation will work to find him a foster home.

"Our behaviorist, Kevin McHale will do the final assessments and make sure that Kikoa will be a well-balanced, fit dog, that can go into a home again, he'll help him be a dog again," said Holly Zusack, founder of the Malachi Foundation.

And both organizations hope that by working together, they can help raise awareness about this problem.

"Crossing state lines we can join forces and help each other because dog fighting is everywhere and you know especially bad in the Effingham County area," said Zusack.

"It's so hurtful to see an animal come in like that, so dependent, and when they're so loving towards us and someone's treating them that way.......it hurts," added Manser.

To Donate to H.O.P.E or the Malachi Foundation visit one of the links below.

FOR H.O.P.E

Chipin link:
http://maverickstravel.chipin.com/kekoas-medical-care

Or mail checks or money order to:
H.O.P.E.
P.O. Box 2601
Rincon, GA 31326
*All checks payable to H.O.P.E

FOR MALACHI FOUNDATION

http://kissabull.chipin.com/malachi-foundation