Sebastian's Lucky Breaks

by ANC Staff and PETS 911

Sebastian, an adorable 8-year-old poodle-mix, suffered neglect and abuse at the hands of his first human family in Louisiana. He had also been run over by a car, causing him to lose his tail and leaving him with a scar on his back and suffering from seizures.

His human 'guardians' then gave him too much seizure medication and failed to get him checked by a veterinarian.

Sebastian was eventually rescued from this miserable situation and wound up at a shelter in Texas.

His first break came when Melissa, a Great Dane rescuer, saved him.

Melissa came to the shelter to pick up some Great Danes. The shelter staff begged her to take Sebastian too, and she agreed. When Melissa rescued him, his hair was so tangled and matted he needed to be shaved down.

Sebastian's second break came when Deborah Miller's poodle, Honeyman, became lost.

While searching for Honeyman on PETS 911, Deborah came across Sebastian's picture and "fell in love with him right away, but I was still intent to find Honeyman."

After she had seen Sebastian's picture several more times on PETS 911, however, Deborah told herself that she would consider adopting this dog whether or not she found Honeyman.

Tragically, it turned out that Honeyman had died. Heartbroken, Deborah began to seriously consider giving Sebastian a home, and contacted the Great Dane rescue to speak to Melissa.

After hearing all about Sebastian from Melissa, Deborah was hooked. She brought him home with her on October 24th.

So far, Deborah's only complaint is that Sebastian likes to tip over the trashcans if he's outside too long. Admittedly concerned about the challenges that Sebastian might pose due to his background, Deborah is happy to announce, "he has adjusted great!"

He's gone to the vet and Deborah has modified his medication; he bounces around when she comes home, and loves to accompany her on errands.

Sebastian entertains Deborah by playing with his squeaky toys in the middle of the night, and playing fetch with her. Deborah says, "He's like a soccer pro… he can really move the ball."

In exchange Deborah sings to him and rubs his belly until he falls asleep in her arms.

Deborah will always miss Honeyman ... but loving Sebastian is helping to heal her heart.

© 2004 Animal News Center, Inc.