Her wounds are healed, the scars barely visible beneath her charcoal and white coat. Her eyes show a little more trust, and less fear. Now all this gentle blue pit bull needs is a home.
Azure has seen more trauma and drama in her 1 ½ years than most have experienced in a lifetime. In January of this year, she was stabbed multiple times with a martial arts-style sword, in August she was offered for sale on Craigslist, and now she is with the animal charity that initially saved her life.
Azure's Past
A domestic dispute between Erin Lup and her boyfriend Justin Carrafield took a violent turn this past January when Carrafield began stabbing Lup’s 8 month old pit bull Azure. As told by Lup, Carrafield came off a Xanax binge, downed a bottle of alcohol, and started fighting with her. He choked her, and then directed his violence toward the young puppy by stabbing her multiple times. Carrafield is in Men's Central Jail serving a one-year sentence after pleading guilty to felony charges of animal cruelty and cultivating marijuana. To read the entire story as reported by the Orange
County Register, click here.
The wounded Azure was rushed to Alicia Pet Center in Mission Viejo, where she was treated by Dr. Matthew Wheaton. Lup, a student, did not have the funds to pay for Azure’s medical bills. Dr. Wheaton made the decision to treat Azure and to set up a fund to raise money for her medical expenses, which would exceed $5000.
Dr. Matthew Wheaton and his wife Blythe also run the Pet Rescue Center (PRC), a non-profit animal rescue group in Mission Viejo. The Center works in cooperation with California shelters and rescue groups to save the lives of dogs and cats at risk by providing education, spay/neuter programs, and rescue and adoption services. This year alone they have saved almost 150 animals from euthanasia at local shelters. The PRC provides a no-kill, veterinary-supervised temporary sanctuary for these pets while working to find them adoptive homes, and also allocates financial grants to provide critical or lifesaving treatments for pets of families undergoing financial hardship. The PRC initiated its Grant A Wish Program to fundraise for Azure’s case in order to provide care and payment for Azure’s wounds and surgical needs.
Azure recovered nicely from her surgery and treatments, and was released to Lup after a few weeks. With Carrafield locked up in jail, it seemed safe to send the young pup home with Lup to complete her recovery. However, in July, the Wheatons noticed an ad on Craigslist for Azure. Lup was no longer able to provide for the puppy and was trying to sell her.
After weeks of trying to convince Lup to relinquish Azure to their Pet Rescue Center, she finally gave in. The Wheatons have rescued Azure twice, and they are now committed to finding her a loving “forever” home.
Azure’s Present
Azure is receiving basic training at the PRC and will be ready for adoption soon. The Wheatons will be seeking a family that has the space and time for a playful, large dog that has survived a nightmare.
Blythe Wheaton is determined to create a better life for Azure. “I just hope we can find a great home for Azure, she has had a rough year. It’s looking up for all involved though. Erin was a victim too, and in the beginning that really was overlooked by the media. She's young and needed experience and guidance. In the best interest of Azure, I always hoped by keeping a low profile and staying in touch it would all work out for everyone. We have spent more money on this dog than any other dog or cat in our care before."
According to Hana Butter, Director of Operations at the Pet Care Center, Azure is responding nicely to her training sessions with Vladislav Roytapel, the Russian Dog Wizard . “Azure is an exceptional dog who needs an experienced dog owner willing to give her the time and training she needs. Her aggression is 100% better than when we first got her. When she arrived, she had so much pent up energy because she was not being worked with. Now she is getting along great with other dogs, seems to prefer bigger dogs and still has a curiosity to small dogs and cats. She also seems to like kids, as you will see in this video.”
Azure’s Future
My name is Azure and I am 1 1/2 yrs old. I was relinquished to the Pet Rescue Center by my owner. Her schedule and living situation had changed and she felt that I needed more love, attention and space than she could provide me. People can’t say enough about what a special dog I am. I respond quickly to commands, I am friendly and loving towards people and I crave attention. I am also very eager to please and I am obedient. Although I showed some signs of dog aggression when I first arrived at PRC, I have shown dramatic improvement during my stay here. A trainer has been coming in weekly to work with me and is amazed by my progress.
My adoption fee is $300 and includes vet exam, spay, microchip, flea treatment, current vaccinations, and 3 private training lessons with Vladislav Roytapel , the Russian Dog Wizard.
You can visit me at the Pet Rescue Center, 25800 Jeronimo Rd. Ste 100, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. If you are interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption form at thepetrescuecenter.org or call 1-877-277-7938. If you would like more information about me, contact Blythe Wheaton at blythe@thepetrescuecenter.org or Hana at hana@thepetrescuecenter.org. Donations may be made through PRC website to help defray my boarding, training, and medical expenses.
Won’t you help me overcome my traumatic past and let me show you what puppy love is all about?
Photos and video courtesy of Hana Butter and Blythe Wheaton