Mission: Milo

When we reached Milo, time was running out. It was raining steadily, and temperatures were dropping fast. He was shivering, hard: the kind where each spasm wracks the whole body, clenching desperately against bone-deep chill.

Ironically, the rain may be the only reason he lasted long enough to freeze; it had been 3 days since the sheep left, and on clear nights the coyotes fan out to hunt. Milo’s paws tell his story: red, cracked blisters across the pads. For most working dogs, there’s no sick leave. If you fall behind, you’re left behind, puppy or no. If we hadn’t gotten a timely call from a benevolent cattle rancher, Milo would have died - starving, cold, and alone - just like so many others.

Time is short for many dogs during this season. The sheep are on the move, and many ranchers treat working dogs like cheap tools: used until they’re broken, then cast aside. At Unega, we rescue those we can - but we need help. If you want to save Milo and others like him, please donate to the Unega Rescue Fund. Thank you for your support!