The Chowchow left outside in the freezing cold near Riverside Animal Hospital on 108th street died on Monday. Chow Rescue, which had helped find the 12-year-old dog a home, had named him Old Man River. He had been scheduled to move to his new home the day he passed.
The animal hospital was not sure of the cause of death:
“Today was the day that we had planned on introducing him to his new forever home. Chow Rescue has helped us immeasurably and found a wonderful home for him…We are not exactly sure what River died of. Yes, he had a tumor in his chest, but that was not necessarily the cause of his death. He had no respiratory symptoms from when we first saw him. His blood tests were normal for an older dog. His abdomen was normal. Perhaps it was simply his time to go.”
More information and photos below from the animal hospital:
this is very sad.
dogs are incredibly loyal creatures – he might have died of heartbreak after being abandoned.
Have to agree with poster below. The dog didn’t know that he had a new home to go to…. He felt abandoned by his owner and died of heartbreak.
Very sad story, but have to give Rosenthal ( elected official on the West Side ) lots of praise for stepping forward and bringing attention to the story, the Chow rescue group, the family that was going to adopt the dog, and the vet that provided care and love.