BILLY- The timid beach boy
I first saw Billy ( also called Pete by some) on the beach in February 2015, a puppy about 4 months old. Skinny, beaten up, full of ticks and always scared. And he had a reason for being afraid, he seemed to be the underdog on the beach.
I first saw Billy ( also called Pete by some) on the beach in February 2015, a puppy about 4 months old. Skinny, beaten up, full of ticks and always scared. And he had a reason for being afraid, he seemed to be the underdog on the beach.
Most dogs and several humans attacked him regularly, he was often running away howling, or walking slowly with the tail between his legs.
His happiest moments were with Bobby, who must have been his brother, but was so much bigger and healthier. They played a lot and were running up and down the beach full of joy. Someone might have taken care of Bobby for a while because he had a collar and looked so good, but Billy had surely been without food and love for the most of his short life.
With persistence and the help of biscuits Billy started to come to me every day, I fed him, de-wormed him and pulled several of the ticks off him when he dared to come closer. It was so annoying for him having his eyes full of ticks, but it was tricky to get them off!
Billy started to trust me, and one evening I saw him by the stairs on the cliff by a restaurant. He was scared stiff, but recognized me, and came for some food.
After that Billy was often sitting waiting for food and company, and he started to gain weight. I vaccinated him against rabies and other diseases, and he slowly found a restaurant to be a safe place to stay in late evenings. I fed him every evening until I left and he was the sweetest, most trusting boy ever, often relaxing by my feet, even letting me cuddle his belly. The last night before my return he tried to follow me on the cliff, I felt really bad about it and went on. I hoped that the arrangements that I had made for food and caring would help him to become a handsome young dog, hopefully, he will still be there on my return next season. Several friends took over the feeding and we arranged with some of the restaurant staff to continue to give him food after all of us had left, supplying them with proper dog food for an extended period.
But in the middle of May I got a message and photos of Billy, showing that he had been severely burned on most of his little body, he was covered in wounds and crusts. Looking from the photos the injuries are results of hot oil or water being thrown on him when he had been laying on the ground, probably sleeping and relaxed in an area he believed to be safe.
Such a devastating and gruesome attack on a living being makes me cry over and over again, I can’t believe that people can be so cruel! This sweet, timid puppy must have endured such extreme suffering for an extended period of time that it’s impossible to even imagine. Several dog lovers and locals have been looking for Billy to get him to PFA for treatment but without any result. I don’t know if I will meet Billy again, the chances are slim, but where ever he is now, I hope he is not suffering any longer and that he can play and be happy! Billy has made deep imprints in my heart forever…
