Abused dog leaves vet’s office to start his new life
Remi, the dying fight dog turned celebrity canine, was released from veterinary care Wednesday to continue his rehabilitation on the Justice Rescue farm in Chester County.
“He will stay with me until he’s ready for adoption,” Justice Rescue Humane Officer Russell “Wolf” Harper said.
It was a tearful goodbye for the staff at Keystone Veterinary Emergency & Referral in Haverford as Harper helped the 1-½ year-old pit bull-type terrier settle into the back seat of his truck for what was being hailed as his “freedom ride” – and his new lease on life.
“He’s never indicated he could not go to a loving home, which he deserves. There is a home for every animal, special circumstances or not.” — Justice Rescue Humane Officer Russell “Wolf” Harper
Awaiting him in the back seat of Harper’s truck was Remi’s first own warm, fluffy bed, which he seemed quite content to trample upon.
“I expect Remi to make a full recovery,” Kim Russell, VMD, said of Remi’s prognosis. She said the dog was finishing up a course of antibiotics. He’d even gained five pounds.
Sadly, she said that Remi’s bite wounds were too many to even count.
Wednesday marked 17 days since Harper brought Remi to Keystone. Two young girls found the dog on a lot in the area of Sixth and Caldwell streets in Chester in the late afternoon of Oct. 26. They called 911. Chester Police Officer Robert Ticknor was on patrol when he was dispatched to the animal call.
“He was pretty banged up,” Ticknor previously told the Daily Times. “He was just lying there … I could see he was losing bodily fluids.”
Ticknor stayed with Remi for about an hour. During that time, he communicated by texts with Harper, who often assists police on animal cases. At the time, Harper was on another call about an hour away.
Harper gave Remi his name as they made their way to Keystone. Fearing for the dog’s life, he said he didn’t want him to die without a name.
It was touch and go for Remi as he was being treated at Keystone for his bite wounds, as well as septic shock and other ailments. Support for Remi grew worldwide, sparked by posts of his progress on the Justice Humane Society Facebook page.
Harper couldn’t say enough about the round-the-clock care Remi received at Keystone. It’s a frequent go-to facility for Harper and other members of Justice Rescue.
Russell and fellow staffers, including veterinarian technicians Loran Mihaliak and Brittany Karpin and veterinarian nurse Jenni Fote, weren’t shy about lavishing Remi with hugs and kisses as Remi’s departure grew close.
Though very emotional, it was the moment that Harper, especially, had been waiting for.
Harper, who spent a lot of time with Remi during his hospitalization, was all smiles.
While the physical scars of Remi’s old life are permanent, Harper knows that Remi’s future is nothing but bright. And at some point, that would include finding him a forever home.
“He’s never indicated he could not go to a loving home, which he deserves,” Harper said. “There is a home for every animal, special circumstances or not.”
Meanwhile, an investigation by Chester police and Justice Rescue to find the person or persons responsible for Remi’s condition is continuing. There is a $5,000 reward for information identifying the abuser(s). Call 215-942-6363 or email abuse@ justice-rescue.com with tips.
Harper still looks forward to day when he and Ticknor can put the handcuffs on Remi’s abuser.
When it comes to hurting animals, Harper’s message is clear.
“It’s not OK,” he said.