His Name May Be Fifty, But He’s One Hundred Percent Lovable
Four-year-old Fifty has had some tough luck in his life. In September of 2007, he was shot while running loose on the street with another pit bull. Dr. Cesar Augustin, of A American Veterinary Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois, saved Fifty’s life, but he was unable to save his right legs.
Despite the veterinarian’s efforts — which involved pins, plates, and plenty of surgical skill — Fifty became a double amputee.
That would almost be too much for any dog, but, shortly after his injury, Fifty experienced yet another devastating loss. His family, who spent $5,300 on his surgery and follow-up care, suddenly had to give him up. Like so many Americans affected by the economic crisis, Fifty’s family lost their home to foreclosure. And, if that wasn’t heartbreaking enough, they were unable to find a landlord willing to rent to a family who owned a pit bull —even a friendly, two-legged one.
Fifty ended up in a shelter in south Chicago, where his chances of being adopted were exceedingly slim. But then something wonderful happened to him. The shelter workers realized that they had a very special dog on their hands, 
and they called Pamela Abare-Newton, President of Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus (IDR+).
Initially skeptical about Fifty’s prognosis, Pam agreed to meet him. She then did a brave and selfless thing; she decided not only to take him into her rescue, but also to foster him herself. Typically, there are more dogs in need than rescues, including IDR+, can accommodate. Good, stable foster homes are in short supply, which is why rescue organizations are always looking for new recruits.
The decision to foster a dog — especially a dog like Fifty — comes with special considerations, but it can be extremely rewarding.
Pam didn’t hesitate, though she admits that Fifty will be hard to place. “Not only does he have two legs,” she says, “but there is so much discrimination against his breed.” Still, Fifty has exceeded all her expectations. “He is the happiest dog you’ve ever met … he gets really excited about the world, and he loves everybody!”
“Everybody” includes a Doberman, two French bulldogs, and a Chihuahua that are also residing with Pam. Fifty keeps right up with these four-legged friends. “He gets around great,” Pam reports, crediting the veterinarian with doing a “fantastic job” and leaving a small portion of the back leg. Fifty has learned to use this remaining portion as a stand, to help support his weight.
Dr. Augustin adds that Fifty’s injury will not in any way affect his longevity. It impacts “only his balance … and you can see that he has that. ... He’s running around!”
In spite of Fifty’s remarkable mobility and his gentle nature, he will need a home without small children, young dogs, or stairs. The concern is not that Fifty would show aggression, but that he could get hurt or knocked over if he plays too roughly. As for stairs, Fifty can handle the two leading up to Pam’s door, but not a staircase leading to a second floor. Beyond these minor allowances, Fifty doesn’t require much special care. Pam has described him as an excellent guest; he is happy, housebroken, and hoping to be in a forever home soon.
Click here to watch a video of Fifty.
How You Can Help
~ If you are interested in adopting Fifty, please contact IDR+.
~ If you are interested in fostering a homeless pet, please visit Best Friends’ First Home Forever Home Tools to Use and look under the heading “How Providing Foster Care Helps Keep Pets with Families.”
~ The Best Friends First Home Forever Home campaign will be hosting a foster care webinar in January. If you would like to receive an invitation to attend this webinar, please e-mail foreverhome@bestfriends.org.
~ If you would like to donate to help us provide programs like the upcoming foster care webinar to help keep pets like Fifty out of shelters and in a home, please click here to donate.
Photo of Fifty in the grass by Pam Abare-Newton.
Other photos by Lauren Kelliher of Lolo's Photos .