Embedded Collar Scars Sweet Coffey for Life

The most heart-wrenching part of Coffey’s story is how common it is. If you have watched any animal rescue show on TV or spoken with animal shelter or rescue personnel you know that the horror of embedded collars is all too common.

Sweet Coffey has a permanent scar around his neck that looks just like a brown collar. Only it’s not a collar. It’s a deep, wide scar where a too-small collar literally grew into the dog’s neck because whoever owned him as a puppy never removed and exchanged his puppy collar for one that would fit him as he grew bigger.

Can you imagine for just a moment if you were a child with a wide choker on your neck. And your parents never took it off of you as you grew up. In a short while it would become harder to breathe. Later, as it cuts into your neck it causes an infected, pussy wound, weakening your entire body. Eventually, your body grows skin right over the too-small choker. The tightness of it is eventually life-threatening, as it cuts into some of the most important veins.

That is what Coffey suffered at some point in his life. When collars become embedded in flesh they have to be surgically removed by a veterinarian. Sometimes even that procedure can end in death for the animal. All due to ignoring the simple task of making sure your pet’s collar or harness are properly fitted for the animal’s age and size.

Coffey’s wounds healed a long time ago, but his permanent, wide scar around his neck is vivid proof of what he must have suffered from the embedded collar.

This sweet, 8-year-old Lab mix still loves people after all that he has endured. Besides the evidence of the embedded collar, Coffey also has some serious callouses on his hind end and elbows from laying on very hard surfaces for a long time before he arrived at CHS.

Coffey is housebroken, neutered, up-to-date on his shots and is microchipped. He would do best as the only pet in the home.

Coffey is available for adoption. We’re looking for a very soft landing for a dog that may not have seen a lot of love in his life. If you think that may be your family, stop in sometime when we’re open, Tuesday through Saturday, noon-to-6pm, to visit with Coffey. He just might find that soft place in your heart…and this dog is sooo worth your time.