Ernie Moss found a frozen dog on the street in January 2011. Her paws were tied with wires, and her muscles cramped from hypothermia. Clearly, the animal had been beaten – and more than once, it appeared.
The pit bull was covered in a blanket under a fallen tree and might not be found by Ernie. His boxer, however, found the leash and began pulling it, leading the owner to the stray. It is a miracle that Tatiana survived. The temperature outside was minus, there was snow everywhere, and the pit bull’s body was frost-covered. She immediately called the animal rescue service and ran home to get tools to cut Tatyana’s wires. A half-hour later, Capital Area Humane Society staff arrived. She suffered multiple injuries to her head, chest, and abdomen, according to veterinarians. Even without skull fractures, the dog’s condition was grave, even without X-rays.
Tatyana was sent to Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary in Lake Odessa, Michigan, after 18 months in the hospital. Tatyana had a hard time adjusting to the new place. She was aggressively treated by people and other dogs. After the experience, she became fearful of people, particularly men, but the shelter staff was prepared for this and showed great patience. Her aggression was a result of years of cruel treatment, they believed. At heart, this injured dog was kind, cheerful, and eager to love.
Finding a new family for an elderly pit bull who avoids people was difficult. Tatiana was avoided by visitors to the shelter. She waited for ten years for her chance, until a new volunteer named Michelle joined Mackenzie’s. The dog immediately caught her attention, and she decided to give her a chance. As Michelle and her husband continued to care for Tatiana, a “golden autumn” began in the pit bull’s life.
Tatiana’s case was taken over by the Capital Area Humane Society. An owner who tied the battered dog and left it to die was found. The man pleaded not guilty to cruelty to the animal and leaving it in danger deliberately. In addition, he was sentenced to 93 days in prison, but he only served 44 of them. Moreover, the court ordered a fine of $ 10,000 to cover the costs of treating and rehabilitating the dog for a year and a half. However, neither the court nor the clinic received any funds.
