Atlas Joins The Haven: Long Road Ahead

Nicole Wertz • Oct 02, 2023

A Dog Facing Certain Death Due to Starvation if Someone Didn’t Step Up

9/29/2023: When I was young, I became fascinated and immersed in Greek and Roman mythology, in astronomy. I wanted to know every story, every star and constellation, and a fire burned inside of me to consume all the knowledge I could find. 


A few of those stories are my favorites, a few exemplify the current world and it’s happenings. The wars, the punishments, the compassion, the sadness, the joy, the heartache, the strength, the endurance, the battle, all that was overcome, all that was lost, all that was gained and the ever lasting impression left upon those it surrounds.


Wednesday night, one of our shelter partners put out a plea. A dog severely neglected, severely emaciated. A dog facing certain death due to starvation if someone didn’t step up, if it wasn’t someone experienced in refeeding, if it didn’t happen now. I thought about him all night and all of Thursday morning, and I couldn’t think anymore…. I had to do. I texted and made the call. He could come to me. I couldn’t let this boy go to someone who has never had a dog this thin, someone who has never had experience with a refeeding schedule. Because while intentions are always good, the truth is, feeding him too much, too fast, putting on weight too quickly WILL cause his death. It has to be calculated. It has to be slow. It has to be measured, monitored. It has to be intricate, intentional. Too many calories will cause his body to shut down. His organs will go into failure. Too much water, he’ll develop bloat, vomit. Treats will send him over the minuscule fine line of not enough and too much. Not everyone is equipped, not everyone is capable of saving a dog in shape as bad as he is. And even then, he could still crash quickly, and we could lose him. But I will do everything in my power, everything humanly possible, to make sure he comes out on the other side.


I drove today to pick him up. I had names picked out. But when they pulled in, I changed my mind. I knew the perfect name for this beautiful boy.


In Greek mythology, Atlas was punished for the Titans trying to overthrow Zeus. He was sentenced to hold up the world on his shoulders for eternity. Letting go would end in certain death. It Would be the end game for not only himself, but all life. Atlas was forced to carry the burdens of the world, never taking a rest, never slowing down, never giving up. His strength and endurance prevailed and was unmatched. So this beautiful boy, who has carried the burdens placed upon him by vile human beings. This boy who carried chains around his neck, never resting, never giving up, always prevailing, showing unmatched strength and endurance to live, to survive despite every thing life threw his way and more…. His name will be Atlas.


But. The difference is, he will no longer have to carry those chains, those burdens. We have taken them off of his shoulders, and I have placed them on my own. I will be strong enough for him, we will be strong enough for him. I will endure whatever now comes his way, he just needs to rest. To relax. To heal. To know that he never again has to worry about saving himself. Because I will do anything possible to do it for him. 


*the details can not be shared since this is an ongoing police investigation, but what can be shared is he was left chained in a yard intentionally, left to starve.


He is going to need a multitude of tests and care. Despite his condition, and it is literally the worst I’ve ever seen in person, he is strong. He is resilient. He is happy. He is sweet. He has a wonderful appetite. He is using the bathroom normally. He was in the hospital yesterday but he does not need continued hospitalization at this time as being there with no immunity (he has not been vaccinated previously and his body has fought so hard to just live that he can not fight off infection at this time) could cause a greater risk to his health. As long as he continues to eat, drink and use the bathroom on his schedule with no issues and no dehydration, he will return to the vet on Monday for bloodwork and further evaluation. He is loaded with hookworm. He is heartworm positive. He needs to gain about 30 lbs minimum and that will take some time. 


He is going to need a LOT of medical intervention, visits and care. So we are asking that 100 people donate twenty five dollars in his name to cover his vetting. We will keep track and make a list and post a final one. We can’t do this without you. He can’t do this without you. 

We are a 501c3 so donations are tax deductible. These can be sent:


CashApp AbbysAngelsAH 

Venmo abbysangelsanimalhaven 

Zelle 8142797287

PayPal (sending to a friend—do NOT send for goods or services please! This charges us a fee) to Ncw427@hotmail.com 


Or by check to-


Abby’s Angels

120 W Pitt St 

Strfrt 2

Bedford PA 15522


Simply mark “Atlas” when sending. 


We thank you. He thanks you. From every depth of our souls. 


Welcome Atlas, we’ve got you. 💙


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Update 9/30/2023

This was from last evening, but Atlas is in good spirits today! We prob won’t update everyday on him, because we still have other doggos who need help and homes, but we will update!


Thank you to ALL who have sent help for him! We truly appreciate each and every one of you and will post a list later tonight or tomorrow of those who have contributed to help us get him everything he’ll need medically.


We appreciate you.


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Update 10/1/2023

Abby's Angels Animal Haven, a compassionate dog animal rescue group, has recently opened their loving arms to a severely emaciated dog they've named Atlas. Atlas, found in dire conditions, is embarking on a strenuous journey to recovery, entailing numerous veterinary visits, meticulous nutritional plans, and enduring care. The road ahead is long and fraught with challenges for this brave canine, and Abby's Angels is dedicated to providing him with the love and rehabilitation he desperately needs. To achieve this, the rescue group is in urgent need of monetary support, not only for Atlas but also to continue their noble mission of rescuing and rehabilitating other dogs in distress. Any contribution can make a significant impact on the lives of Atlas and many others, helping them find the strength and happiness they deserve in loving forever homes.

We would like to shout out a huge THANK YOU to each and every person who has sent ten bucks or more to help Atlas. We originally asked for one hundred people to send twenty five, but we have included anyone who has sent any amount for his care, and also the care of Nigel & Lincoln.


This does not include those who have or said they they have mailed checks (we haven’t received them yet to add them). But we have raised 4000 of our now 7500 goal for the three of them. We appreciate you so very much. We still have a little way to go, but we’re over halfway there. These boys deserve all the help you can muster.


Atlas will be going to the vet in the morning. Today, I gave him a Barkbox super chewer toy that has fabric on the outside and a toy on the inside, and he has been carrying it around all day as though it is the best gift he has ever gotten. He even took it outside to the bathroom.

Nigel and Lincoln are also settling in and eating well. Both have been ravenous and despite that, are on slow, refeeding schedules. Nigel has passed several shreds of blanket, a few plastic bottle caps and a hair tie in his stools. He has no other signs of blockage but will be closely monitored. Lincoln is enjoying rolling around in the grass with his new foster sisters.


Everyone so far who have helped these sweet boys:


Nikki Edwards

Lisa Nave

Michael Stiffler

Mandy Ray

Kyra Schon

Michelle Stohon 

Michelle Masood-Gray

Holly McGonigle

Brandon Long 

Kelsey Foor

Laura Fowler

Lauren Peifer

Bridget Hammond

Sandy Jones

Deb Willey

Bethanie Lease

Cheri Hruska

Holly Layman

Carol Johnson

Chrissy Kyler

Pam White

Laci Deist

Karee DuVall 

Gloria King

Michelle Roy

Tami Long

Stephaney Pryal

Drusilla Kuhn

Bonnie Young

Beth Smith

Beth Oberdick

Betsy Clark

Leah Orris

Christine Seager

Maria Scott-Bollman

Ángel Butler

Tara Keim

Stacy Feaster

Mandy Somerville 

Sally Cowell

Jodi Brenneman

Randi Smith

Jeanette Hartsock

Jamie Currie

Jennifer Buda

Rachel Kim

Donna Furnish

Amanda Foor

Bryn Keller

Marcy Veach

Natalie Foster

Laurie Henson 

Amanda Vermillion 

Natalie Gay

Ambriz DuPont

Carrie McGowan 

Laura Kellem 

Tonya littlefield Fix

Ashley Beaver

Nicole Killian

Erin Weyant

Joyce Rose

Sharon Fetter

Michele Turner 

Stacey Chambers

Nikki Resak

Sarah Elyard

Jill Winfield

Erica Manypenny

Joan Lasalle

Montana Mang

Christy Brown 

Barbara Moyer

Kristin Propst

Dianna Baker

Linda Cubbison

Tina Henderson

Barbara Broad

Penelope McIntyre

Stephanie Caldwell

Gretchen Stratemeier

Valorie Lehman

Luci Russell

Janice Leppert

Elaine Bardzill

Emily Fabyanic 

Molly Christie 

Tracy Propst

Kerri Hanks

Brandee Croft 

Jennifer Leibfreid

Tracey Stroup 

Jennifer Hillenbrand

Patricia Harrison

Charlene Kirsch

Riley Castille

VR Doug 

Bethany Haigh

Amy Musselman 

Misty Nicodemus

Cody Crissey

Priscilla Kuhn

Heather Ritchey 

Shari Peters

Angela Long

Risa Aaronson

Natalie Buchanan

Sandra Foor

Donna Sheppard

Michele Knisely

Kimberly Eller

Kirsten Jordan

Sheila McCoy

Sherry Smith 

Cathy Crawford

Mary Blasko

Amy Clark

Allison Monteleone

Janet Mitchell

Betsy Ickes

Larissa Grudi

Victoria Stasiak

Holly Markovitch

Maureen Chastain 

Morgan Knisely   

Anthony Karabinos

Susan Settle

Amy Waltower

Dustin Reisling

Off Pitt St Productions

Patricia Simmons

Dana Trent

Thomas Salmon

Kelli Long

Kecia Scott

Donna Main

Nikki Keister

Kianah Lingenfelter

Jessica King

Tonia Ickes

Angela Thomas

Shannon Lybarger

Carrie Murphy

Robyn Wood

Shannon Feathers

Kelly Wakefield

Kristen Geibig

Cassi Lingenfelter

Laura Frederick

Dorothy Blackburn

Andrea Kubas

Ashley Schrum

Corinna Browell

Donna Himes

Kelly Kane

Jennifer Laverick

Jeff Rinscheid

Jean Whetstone

Britta Milks

Chris Smith


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Update 10/10/2023


Atlas is enjoying his cozy sweatshirts, sweaters, blankets and jacket that were sent for him, especially since it’s been extra chilly here in PA!


He’s been on a re-feed schedule, and has gained just over two pounds. And as you can see, two pounds makes a world of difference on his frame since it previously was just bone and skin. He is doing so, so well. He has an amazing spirit and zest for life. He adores attention. He would absolutely love if he was allowed to go on walks, but he is not currently allowed and is on restrictions until he’s gained his strength and is healthier. Last week, he was not strong enough to climb one or two steps without collapsing. This week, he trotted up a whole flight and back down while I was changing his blankets (don’t worry had a close eye on him at all times). He’s curious, he’s happy, and soon he will be healthy. He has had only one accident. He has a huge horse sized crate with blankets and a bed inside to keep him comfy during his rest time.


His only real need to improve—he cowers when someone walks up to his crate initially as if he’s not sure of intention, and he bows his head and makes himself small as if he’s going to be hit if movement is too quick. But we will heal his heart, change his expectations, and let him know only love.


We truly appreciate all you all have sent, all the help with the vetting, and all the love and prayers, the outpouring for him, for Lincoln and for Nigel. And we know they appreciate you too. Because without you, there can be no us.

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