Pawsitively Amazing: Ace

Every day too many animals are neglected, abused,  and even thrown away.  I believe that for every person who is mistreating animals, there are even more people who are willing to go the extra mile to help them.  Ace is a little dog who has experienced the worst and best in humans.  Kaye Ness  documented his amazing story.

From Kaye:  “On Friday, August 2,  a Shih Tzu was found in a trash dumpster by a worker in Kansas City.  The dog was found locked inside a carrier to die and suffered a significant head injury.  The dog was later named Ace and had a ‘fair’ prognosis at the time he was taken to Kansas City Pet Project where I volunteer.

When I initially heard this story I was overwhelmed with anger and sadness for this tiny little creature.  I wondered what his life had been like to end up thrown out with the trash to die.  I couldn’t stop thinking about Ace so I decided to channel my anger by giving Ace a voice through documenting his progress.   The first time I met Ace it was difficult to see him just lay there but I had hope for him. Even though he wasn’t able to move much or walk,  I prayed that he would have a full recovery.   Someone was listening because he was placed in a foster home that had both an Occupational AND Physical therapist!

 I had my second meeting with Ace a few weeks later and I LOVED seeing him walk around so happy!!  He still had some residual brain damage, would fall a bit, and was having seizures but he was doing so much better.

Ace has gone from being thrown out in the trash to being nurtured and rehabilitated in a loving foster home to finding his forever family.  I still have a difficult time comprehending how anyone can intentionally hurt an animal and just how lonely and abandoned he must have felt.  We are fortunate that he has forgiven humans and learned to trust again.  

I want to thank the worker who saved Ace from dying in a dumpster,  Kansas City Pet Project, Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, Fairway Animal Hospital, and the many others who prayed  and sent well wishes for Ace.   I also want to thank Ace’s foster family for providing the continual updates, pictures, video and time for me to tell his story.  You are a remarkable family!  Fostering is such a gift to homeless animals.   It has been so personally rewarding to watch Ace improve that I wish I could do this for every animal I encounter…because they all have a story to tell.

Happily, Ace was adopted in September and is thriving with his new family.

From Jenny:  “My husband and I would like to thank everyone involved in Ace’s care and recovery. We have waited 13 years for a dog like Ace. We love him beyond measure. We would especially like to thank the construction worker who discovered Ace. Without you, we would have never been blessed with the sweetest, most loving dog.”

You can see more of Ace’s remarkable story on Kaye’s blog. Stay updated on her latest work by following her on Facebook.

About Kaye Ness Photography:  Based in Kansas City, MO, Kaye is portrait photographer.  She offers custom sessions for families, seniors, children and pets.  Kaye is a member of  HeARTs Speak.