Vinnie Van Gogh Pays A Visit To Popcorn Park, Where His Life Was Saved

Three years ago, a battered four-month-old pit bull puppy was transported to Popcorn Park Zoo in horrific shape.

He had been pulled from the streets of Newark, where he had been used as a bait dog. The staff was horrified. They weren't sure he would make it through the night.

They named him Vinnie Van Gogh, because one of his ears had been torn off. Chunks of flesh had been ripped from his little body, both hips were broken. He had pneumonia and was in septic shock from infections.

"The first few weeks were filled with lots of tears, hope and prayers for this poor little pup, who we all ljust wanted so badly to survive," according to the Popcorn Park Facebook page.

They set him up in a special "Vinnie" suite, with fluffy blankets and chew toys. They fed him cheeseburgers at first. He was so weak all he could do was lift his head up and slowly chew the food.

"It was an incredibly long and tough road for Vinnie, which included multiple surgeries and enough medications to fill an entire pharmacy," the page states.

It took Vinnie months to heal. Staff workers would put him into a baby carriage and wheel him slowly around Animal Haven Farm to give him some air.

His care was paid for with the Associated Humane Societies' Res-Q-Fund, with donations from supporters for animals who are sick or badly injured.

"He owes his life to all of you who donated towards his extensive medical care through our Res-Q-Fund. Without the support of all of you, we could never have saved his deserving boy's life."

Vinnie has a wonderful life now. He was adopted by one of his "moms" who cared for him during those dark days and has a peaceful life at home with his mom and dad and many canine and feline friends. But he still likes to come back to Popcorn Park to visit all his friends.

"He's all grown up now, but Vinnie still gets his wiggle-butt going while walking through our facility, greeting old friends like he owns the place," the post states. "He had a great time today during his visit, and still has his big smile, constant tail wag, and of course, his snort, just as he did so long ago.Thank you all again, from the bottom of our hearts."

Please consider contributing to the Res-Q Fund by texting HumaneHelp to 41444 or by clicking here: http://www.ahscares.org/shop/item.asp?itemid=28&catid=5

by Patricia A. Miller

Video and photo courtesy of Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park.