Volunteers with the Welfare for Animals Guild reported in May that Casey, a Great Dane rescued from the West End in February after being discovered lost and suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, has left the Halfway Home Ranch to go to what WAG representatives call his new “forever home.”
Casey was adopted in May by a family on the Olympic Peninsula who has lots of room for him to run, along with a companion dog.
WAG representatives said they are grateful to the community for donations and support given to Casey to help him heal and be adopted.
“We want to thank everyone, the wonderful community for their tremendous support,” WAG president Barb Brabant said.
“It is amazing to see such an outpouring of love.”
Casey was found in the woods near Beaver Lake, with gunshot wounds that somehow passed through his head but fractured his jaw, leaving him unable to eat. He was emaciated when found, and WAG was called for help.
WAG Ranch manager Mel Marshall rushed him to Pacific Northwest Veterinary Hospital, where Dr. Linda Allen began lifesaving procedures. It was unsure whether Casey would survive the night, WAG representatives said, but he came through and began his journey to healing at the WAG Halfway Home Ranch, located on McComb Road.
Casey began to gain weight with feedings every two hours, and constant care by WAG volunteers and staff. When he had gained 12 pounds, he returned to Allen for surgery to repair his shattered jaw. With a repaired jaw, he was able to eat the denser, more nutrient-rich food and gain more weight and strength, taking walks around the ranch.
The community responded to Casey’s story with an outpouring of donations and love, WAG representatives said. A GoFundMe account received thousands of dollars.
An auction at Sonny Spaw with gifts from Sequim merchants raised $3,000 for his benefit. Casey posed for artists at Studio Bob’s in Port Angeles, and later passed “The Home Depot” test, calmly walking through the busy store with the noise and commotion, demonstrating his readiness for placement in a new forever home, WAG representatives said.
In late May, Casey’s new family reported that he is doing great: “This weekend he had his first bath and a road trip that went so well.
“He has really relaxed into our environment here, and he and [our other dog] are doing great together. “
Learn more about Casey and Welfare for Animals Guild at wagsequimwa.com.