February 20, 2024
By: Sarah A. Neikam, CAWA
Imagine the strength it takes to wag your tail in the face of relentless pain. That strength belongs to a dog we’ve named Courage, a dog whose unwavering spirit embodies the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare’s motto: “Let Love Live.”
Found as a stray by a kind-hearted volunteer, Courage’s state was heart-wrenching. He bore the heavy burden of a thick chain, cruelly clamped into his throat, symbolizing a past marred by neglect and abuse. Despite his scars, both physical and emotional, Courage’s spirit remained astonishingly unbroken.
His scars spoke of survival against brutal odds, likely from violent dog fights. His ear, torn and healing over his ear canal, and his throat, cinched under the constricting chain, told a tale of resilience in the face of cruelty.
Upon arriving at our shelter, Courage, though filthy and injured, exuded a gentle nature that touched every heart. Today, he faces another battle: undergoing Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) surgery to prevent future health complications. The cost is substantial, but can we really put a price on hope, life, and kindness?
For help, we turn to our compassionate community of animal lovers and advocates. Your support can transform Courage’s story from one of survival to triumph. Together, we stand against animal cruelty, uphold the sanctity of life, and affirm that every creature deserves a pain-free existence.
Donations to Courage’s campaign contribute directly to his needed medical procedure, echoing our shared belief that love can heal and mend the broken. If you are able to, please donate to Courage’s campaign. Or, share his story, and stand with Courage. Every contribution is a step towards providing the sanctuary of care he so desperately needs.
The bond between humans and animals is the cornerstone of our mission at the SPCA Albrecht Center, poignantly captured in our motto, “Let Love Live.” This philosophy influences every facet of our work, embodying our belief that every animal deserves a loving forever home. It drives us to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals who have faced abandonment, neglect, or abuse.
But “Let Love Live” is more than a motto; it’s a movement, a call to action that resonates throughout our community. Whether through adoption, volunteering, fostering, donating, or advocating for animal rights, there are lots of ways to join us in making a difference in the lives of animals.
We invite you to join this compassionate journey. For Courage and other animals like him. Together, let’s create a world where every pet enjoys the safety and comfort of a loving home. Let’s continue to ensure that the unfailing love and devotion of a companion animal are valued by all. Let love live, today and every day.
If you would like to donate to the Courage’s medical procedure campaign, please visit LetLoveLive.org/Courage.
Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and their six cats.
