Sometimes animals are not appropriate for adoption for various reasons, such as the need for ongoing specialized care, geriatric age, risk of breeding, or safety concerns. Those animals live out their days being cared for by one of our dedicated foster families. Here are few favorite residents from over the years.
Marley was 3 months old when his owners decided to rehome him. He peed and pooped on everything (as foxes do), was aggressive toward toddlers, and was very territorial over his toys and blankets. Most breeders do not allowed their animals to be returned for any reason, so his owners surrendered him to us. Marley gets his unique coloring from breeding (usually inbreeding) light colored red foxes.
Gambit was surrendered to us when he was around 2 ½ years old. The dogs that he lived with did not like him and often attacked him, which is a common dynamic between pigs and dogs. When we took him in, he had bloody bites to his butt and tail. He still does not like dogs and prefers to be left alone. He sits for treats and was originally a house pig who rang a bell when he needed to go outside. He now prefers to be outside and knows how to cover himself up with blankets when it is cold.
Sheldon is over 30 years old. He was found as a stray about 15 years ago. The pyramiding on his shell is a deformity caused by Metabolic Bone Disease, a result of a poor diet before he came to us.
Sulcatas should follow strictly vegan diet, but they will eat nearly anything. Too much protein can cause this disease and can be completely debilitating. We believe Sheldon’s growth was also stunted by his poor diet prior to being rescued. Sulcatas are the third largest tortoise in the world and can weigh up to 200 pounds. They can live up to 150 years old.
Much like Marley, Felix's coloring is from inbreeding. Felix was surrendered when he was around 5 to 6 months old because of his wild instincts. He dug holes in the floors and walls, was territorial, and did not have enough room to run and play in his owner’s small apartment.
Tamaki was purchased as a pet when he was a baby and was kept in a large rabbit hutch for 5 years. Tamaki is now a senior fox who is not as active as the other foxes.
Muntjacs are the smallest breed of deer native to south Asia. Taco was left at animal control in Indy with several farm animals. By nature, he was extremely skittish, curious and quick. He couldn't grow a winter coat thick enough to withstand Indiana winters and his fragile legs could break easily if he slipped on ice, so he lived inside during cold months. He learned how to use the litter box right away and loved to chill on the couch.
She was purchased from a farm store as a duckling and lived in an apartment. A toddler in the home pick up Phoebe by the leg causing a serious injury. She could not walk when she arrived. She was on several rounds of antibiotics and had health problems the rest of her life. She loved to be carried around like a baby. She gave hugs and loved to be hand fed. Make a donation in Phoebe's memory.
Rhyme and Reason arrived with over 70 other show birds that were confiscated because of severe neglect. Many birds were already dead when animal control arrived. The survivors were covered in lice, suffered from respiratory infections, dirty and were extremely underweight. Rhyme and Reason settled in quickly and turned into a beautiful peacock and peahen!
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