Comments on: Year Long Saga Ends, Dog in Abandoned Home Finally Rescued

By: Admin

Admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:31:17 +0000

See the latest update on Cola - HERE

By: roseanna

roseanna — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 06:16:29 +0000

Thanks Deanna, but that is the saddest, most heartlessly cruel, and ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Now I am almost sorry that I asked because I will not forget Cola. This is where and why some rescue people just take dogs…that seems to be the only way to save them. Someone posted a comment concerning the look on his face and it is truly a look of ‘how could this have happened…how could you do this to me’…this is not a vicious animal. What happened is a sin. Adopting out is one thing…releasing to a sanctuary is another completely. It is sickening to see the high paid officials take the easy way out and face no consequences for their actions. They release child molesters and murderers out on bail and think nothing of it. They face no consequences when those people cause havoc again but a pit bull..oh that must be immediately destroyed. Hardly seems like america does it….and we petition other countries for their cruel practices…we need to clean up our own backyard too. Thanks again for the followup.

By: Admin

Admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:09:34 +0000

@roseanna – Found another update from May. Bottom line is it looks like Cola will stay at Saginaw County Animal Care Center until his owner’s, Jamie S. McGregor, case is settled. Then he will either be returned to McGregor based on the outcome… or he will be euthanized.

Though pleas from animal rescue groups and individuals have mounted to give Cola a reprieve, the Animal Care Center will not adopt out pit bulls because of their use in dog-fighting circles, said Director Mark A. Wachner.

Some letter writers have suggested Few Steps From Home Animal Rescue, an animal adoption agency in Bay City formed to find suitable homes for unwanted and abused pets, as an alternative to Cola’s likely fate of euthanasia.

But giving Cola to the rescue would set a precedent, Wachner said.

“Circumstances being what they are in Saginaw (regarding pit bull fighting), we don’t want to open a Pandora’s box” by adopting out Cola, Wachner said.

Officials cannot resolve Cola’s fate until the courts settle charges against Cola’s owner, Jamie S. McGregor. If McGregor fails to regain custody of his dog, responsibility for Cola will fall upon the Animal Care Center, where staff likely will euthanize the dog.

McGregor, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty. His trial is scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 18.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail, $1,000 in fines, up to 200 hours of community service and costs for prosecution and veterinary care. A judge also could order that he not own an animal during probation, which could last up to two years.(MLive.com)

I would guess that the trial is over now and decisions have been made but I haven’t been able to find any follow-up as of yet. It’s a sad story and doubtful it will have a happy ending for Cola. Either he goes back to the person who abandoned him in the first place…. or he dies.

By: Admin

Admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:49:50 +0000

@roseanna - Roseanna, the last update I've been able to find is what I wrote on the 24th - Abandoned for a Year, Owner Now Wants Dog Back - VIDEO. Here's a quote from an article a day later;

McGregor's relatives are hoping they can have Cola moved to an animal refuge where authorities won't euthanize him. Cola wasn't a fighting dog, and McGregor has had medical problems that may have complicated his ability to care for the animal, said a relative who asked The Saginaw News not to publish her name. She said family members did not know that the dog wasn't living with McGregor. "We're trying to do the best we can to make it right, trying to make a bad situation better. We're willing to do anything (to save Cola)," she said. "He's been through enough already and deserves a happy home."

I have not been able to find anything else. I will update the story if and when I do. Deanna

By: roseanna

roseanna — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:41:43 +0000

did this dog ever get adopted…..????

By: Aggie M

Aggie M — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:17:39 +0000

Just look at the dog’s eyes in the close up above! That alone made me cry. There has got to be a special place in hell for people capable of such cruelty. It would be run by, and guarded by, the spirits of dogs treated this way by those held there! Maybe, if those spirits really work at it, they can be angry long enough to get past their unconditional love!

By: Virginia Greenwood-Warner

Virginia Greenwood-Warner — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:19:46 +0000

Well I understand the neighbors were “”concerned”" and it’s kind they tried to have it removed but surely any!!!!!!! person with the slightest compassion would have broken in and taken/rescued the dog immediately you realise the neighbors have moved out. I will never understand the human race.

By: Betty Howard (Gig)

Betty Howard (Gig) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:13:02 +0000

That dog would have “disappeared” long ago. I can’t see how the laws can be so vague and heartless, and the authorities so cruel. I also cannot see how any person with this knowledge could let it go on.

By: animal lover

animal lover — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:07:46 +0000

What has this world come to…..I could have never been a neighbor and watch this happen everyday….never….I would have done something to save this dog….even if it was to put food/water through a window??

So sad…..

By: Sasha

Sasha — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:08:59 +0000

I agree, would of trespassed. If I were a neighbor I simply could not of stood by every day. I pray he has some spirit left to recover.