Sophie came to KSAS after a
life of abuse and neglect.
The story of her rescue begins
in Tennessee in 2001. Animal control officers investigating a
report of
animal abuse found many dead and decomposing bodies.
After they had rounded up the remains of the poor vicitims, they locked
the gate to the facility and prepared to leave. Only then did
they hear a soft whimpering. The officers followed the sound and found
Sophie tied by the neck with a tractor chain under a deck of one of the
buildings. She was the lone survivor of this animal abuse
hell. Sophie weighed only nine lbs, and her estimated age was
about 12 years. The normal weight for a
dog her size would be between 20-25 lbs. She was extremely
frightened and
blind in both eyes. A report made by the vet who examined her
after her rescue, indicted that her eyes were blinded by two different
types of trauma. The prosecuter in this county levied a heavy
fine on the abuser and all of the money went for Sophie's
rehabilitation.
Because of her
special needs,
Sophie was flown to a home in Seattle to a couple who foster special
needs poodles. They did great work with Sophie, especially in
helping her bond again with humans. However, the other poodles
were too much for elderly and blind Sophie. The couple
investigated possibilities for her, and Best Friends in Utah
recommended Kindred Spirits. Sophie was personally delivered to
KSAS three years ago.
Sophie thrived at Kindred
Spirits. Despite her blindness, Sophie was full of spunk and
fun. The affirmities of old age eventually caught up with her and
she was relieved of her suffering in December 2004. Sophie holds
a special place in the hearts of all who knew her.