Juno - Neglected & Mistreated by her Owner

This is Juno the Great Dane 

Her previous owner kept her in a cage 24/7 — whether she was fed at all, bathed or cared for in any way, we are unsure. But one look at her and it is painfully obvious the kind of neglect and mistreatment she had to live through.

A kind pet transporter contacted Uncle Raymund after getting to know of Juno’s situation. She was brought in to Noah's Ark about the time a group of us students from the School of the Arts (SOTA), Singapore, were staying a weekend at the sanctuary doing volunteer work.

"We were appalled, and
it was really heartbreaking
to see a dog in that state."

When we all saw her for the first time, I can safely say we all shared the same sentiments - we were appalled, and it was really heartbreaking to see a dog in that state.  She was literally skin and bone, with these gaping wounds on either side of her hips that were painful even to look at.

Juno was literally skin and bone.

Juno had a wound on both her hind legs,
it could fit a ping pong ball.

The wound on her right hind leg.

I’m sure most of us students would have come across animal abuse cases on the news or on TV, but I doubt any of us had actually seen one like Juno’s so up close and personal. It was a real slap in the face, back to the reality that there does exist people who can neglect their pets to such a cruel extent. It is hard to believe but it is a sad truth.

Juno refused to move, all she wanted was to be loved.

Alysha leading Juno to the clinic for a check-up.

However, I could feel that despite her condition, she still had so much life and spirit in her. It was touching because having been neglected the way she was for so long, she really only wanted to be loved and I could see that. There was absolutely no malice in her behaviour despite what she had been through, and she would sit quietly by you and allow you to pet her. I believe she knew she was safe and in good hands. How one could look an animal in the eye and treat them with such cruelty… I could never understand that.

Juno's weight.

An ideal weight for a female Great Dane is
between 45 Kg and 59 Kg

Le Ying drawing blood from Juno to test
for heartworm and tick fever.

Great News!!  Juno was tested negative
for both heartworm and tick fever.

Juno had to be put on drip due to dehydration.

We brought her over to the clinic to be checked. She was barely 30 kilos, far below a healthy weight for a Great Dane like herself.  But she could gobble up her food like it was nothing! We took her out for a short walk and much to our surprise she was stronger than one would imagine, and so enthusiastic!

Juno showing good appetite,
which is a good sign.

"There was absolutely no malice in her behaviour despite what she had been through, and she would sit quietly by you and allow you to pet her. 

I believe she knew she was safe and in good hands. How one could look an animal in the eye and treat them with such cruelty."

Seeing her strength, her heart (and not to mention how truly majestic she looked with her ears up and all), we knew we wanted to give her a name fit for a queen! So we decided to call her “Juno”. In Roman mythology, Juno is the most important and most highly regarded goddess and wife to Jupiter, equivalent to the Greek goddess Hera, wife of Zeus.

Under the care of Uncle Raymund and everyone at Noah's Ark, we know that the next time we return, Juno will be a changed dog, and we look forward to seeing her recovery.  

Written by Alysha Nair



Pet Sponsorship
To support  Juno's medical aid and animal sponsorship, please email to Noah's Ark CARES.


Footnote:
The Great Dane is a  "gentle giant". Sometimes referred to as the "king of dogs," this extremely large dog breed is known for being strong yet elegant, with a friendly, energetic personality. This breed is also popular as a family pet. Coat colors can be brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin and mantle.