End animal suffering in KCMO urban core

Please note this report contains a graphic photograph that may be difficult for some readers. 

Gideon was a new stop for Chain of Hope Outreach teams.  We had had an unusually cold spell and with some coaxing his owner agreed to receive a crate to bring in him inside.  While unloading the crate, an outreach volunteer greeted Gideon who was eager for affection.  It was chilly and he was wearing a sweater.  At least that's something she thought.  But as Gideon snuggled up and started to play Meredith noticed something red.  It was blood.   Under that sweater was a harness placed on Gideon at just three months of age.  Puppies grow fast, and now at six months, the harness had grown into Gideon's body.  It was never checked, never adjusted for the growing, active puppy.  What horrible pain he must have been in.  We took him to the vet immediately, and the harness was surgically removed.   The owner surrendered Gideon to Chain of Hope and soon he was placed in a foster home to heal from this awful existence he had.  Gideon is healing, has thrived, and is a very smart.  From his foster mom he has learned to sit, stay, kennel, and let her know when he needs to go out.  And most of all, he has learned what love, warmth and affection feels like.   Your support changes lives like Gideons every day, and we thank you.