Kingston was surrendered to a shelter by his owner who outwardly admitted that he was being abused in their home. Having survived a couple years of mistreatment, Kingston was, understandably, frightened and unsure. Although fearful and avoidant with men due to the abuse suffered at the hands of a man, Kingston was more accepting of and comfortable with female staff members at the shelter. However, it was very apparent to shelter staff that Kingston would be most successful if given the opportunity to move forward with a rescue that could provide him with the time, patience, and leadership needed to move beyond his abuse. Recognizing that Kingston deserved so much more than the life that he had escaped, several rescuers came together to network Kingston and help him move forward. MAGSR was honored to be part of the team that changed Kingston's life for the better. 

Kingston is a survivor. He has endured pain and suffering without the voice to ask for help. The scars left by his previous owner are not very visible on the outside, but they have left him unsure and anxious with new people and situations. As a result, Kingston has needed time to decompress and develop trust in an experienced foster home. Handshy and head shy, Kingston's foster family has been slowly teaching him that people can be kind, gentle, and a source of love. He has been learning that a leash is not a tool for pain, a collar will not hurt, and that head scratches are truly amazing. This is a slow process, but every day, Kingston's foster family sees a little more of the goofy, playful, and affectionate boy that has been hidden by the trauma of his previous life. Daily opportunities to work with his foster family and adjust to living in a safe home are important for Kingston. He has adjusted well to being handled by his foster mom and is learning to trust his foster dad. Kingston's relationships with men will require some additional support as he continues to progress. With time, training, desensitization, and a chance to be a dog, Kingston is making important strides needed to move forward with a loving family of his own. 

In addition to the physical abuse that Kingston endured, it is apparent that he was also neglected. Upon arrival, it was very clear that Kingston had medical needs that required immediate intervention. Struggling to defecate without shaking and screaming in pain, extremely uncomfortable with swollen and infected anal glands, itchy from a food allergy, in pain from frostbitten ears, positive for heartworms, and lacking energy due to a severe case of pneumonia, Kingston has needed significant medical support. Fortunately, one of our amazing vetting partners has worked with us to provide Kingston with everything he needs. Antibiotics have begun, pain meds have been administered, x-rays have been taken, and next steps are in place to ensure that Kingston's needs are met. Additional care will be needed over the next month or two to ensure that Kingston is healed and healthy. Kingston's medical needs are expensive but he is more than worth the cost. Please consider donating to his care as your donation will not only help us help Kingston move forward, but it will also help us continue to welcome dogs with medical needs into the MAGSR family. 

Although Kingston is not yet ready to find his forever family, we know that when he is ready for his next step, a safe, loving, experienced and supportive family will be waiting for him. Kingston Could that be with you?