A second time.
A few slow taps.
Then Rufus becomes still again.
For a dog who currently has almost no strength to spare, it is an incredibly small movement.
And it may be the only greeting someone standing outside his kennel gets to see.
DOG INFORMATION
Name: Rufus
Breed: Boxer
Age: 10 years old
Current condition: Severe bruising to the chest and abdomen, one splinted front leg, profound weakness after several days of treatment, weak breathing, and insufficient strength to lift his head
Current setting: Medical shelter
Observed behavior: Remains lying on his side but slowly taps his tail against the medical bed several times when footsteps stop outside his kennel
Cause of injury: Not provided
Deadline: No euthanasia deadline provided
Current status: Medically fragile and undergoing care; prognosis and exact placement/risk status should be confirmed directly with the shelter
HOW TO HELP
Anyone interested in Rufus should contact the shelter directly for his current medical status and determine what kind of assistance is appropriate given his condition.
Potential adopters, fosters, or rescue organizations should request his complete veterinary records and ask about confirmed injuries, diagnostic testing, pain management, medications, hydration and nutrition, ability to stand, transportation safety, prognosis, and current quality-of-life assessment.
Because Rufus is profoundly weak, any transfer or placement should follow veterinary guidance.
And for anyone who gets to stand outside his kennel, watch carefully.
Do not wait for Rufus to raise his head.
He may no longer have enough strength to do that.
Listen for the faint sound of his tail touching the bed instead.
His head may remain completely still while that tail slowly taps the mattress a few times simply because someone stopped outside.
Please contact the shelter directly for the most current information about Rufus's medical condition, prognosis, placement options, and risk status.