Ghost was found on a rural road in Alabama. The 3-year-old white German Shepherd is loving and listens to commands, but is terrified of thunder.
Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida has figured out why: He has post traumatic stress syndrome.
“The first day he arrived, a storm rumbled in the distance and he tried to escape his kennel and threw his hip out of socket,” the non-profit no-kill shelter wrote. “Radiographs showed severe hip dysplasia in both hips, but also showed that his body was covered in lead pellets. Staff can only assume, but we think that Ghost relates his painful experience from being shot to the thunder he hears.”
Ghost was taken to a speciality clinic in Tallahassee for surgery. The cost so far, $1,600, but so far, Ghost is doing well. Ghost is recovering back at Alaqua, but he’ll need more surgeries and has a long recovery ahead, especially to get over his fear of noise.
“It is a heartbreaking sight to see this beautiful creature go from wagging his tail and giving kisses to absolute fear of this noise,” the group says. “Dogs are amazing and forgiving creatures and with your help, we will do the best we can for this special dog.”
The facility is looking for donations to help in Ghosts rehabilitation and care.
