“He spoke with his eyes..."The amount of torture Joey endured was

unthinkable, but the fact that he was so incredibly sweet was a true

testament to an animal’s ability to forgive human error." ~ Denise Machado

Joey's Story...

Joey was a German Shorthair Pointer who arrived at MCHS on November 3, 2005 hairless, bleeding, and wrapped in a blanket. He was found in the woods off Lockridge Drive, crying and unable to walk or stand. He had been doused with chemicals: a victim of unimaginable torture. He was immediately sent to Best Friends Veterinary Hospital in Gaithersburg, MD for medical treatment.

Joey had no sweat glands and virtually no hair follicles except for some small tufts of twisted curly hairs stuck to several scabs. His pads were very swollen with flaps of sloughed tissue hanging off the raw, bleeding pad tissue. He was incredibly emaciated, weighing only 29 pounds.

In the days to follow, Joey’s progress demonstrated his deep desire to live. Joey stayed at Best Friends Veterinary Hospital about a month for medical treatment and incurred approximately $2,500 in medical expenses.

Denise Jones Machado, a longstanding supporter of MCHS, adopted Joey. She was committed from the moment she saw him. Denise attended to Joey’s physical needs with frequent trips to the vet, careful tracking of different medications, and regular examinations and treatments for his hairless skin. Infections were frequent because he had a lowered immune system from taking steroids medication for rheumatoid arthritis.

Joey’s path of physical and emotional healing was a tumultuous road with unexpected setbacks, however with Denise’s dedication and unconditional love, Joey improved. He gained weight, his body steadily fought the chemicals, and he found joy in living. She took care of his emotional needs with reassurance, empathy, and compassion.

Denise lovingly cared for him for almost two years before his recent passing at the end of August 2007 from a sudden ear infection that was unresponsive to antibiotics.

Denise has adopted abused animals in the past, but Joey was particularly special to Denise. “He spoke with his eyes,” shared Denise "The amount of torture Joey endured was unthinkable, but the fact that he was so incredibly sweet was a true testament to an animal’s ability to forgive human error."

It was only through the generosity of supporters who donated to Joey's Fund to pay for medical expenses, the attention of Dr. Hollifield at Best Friends, and Denise’s unconditional love and care, that we were able to help this voiceless innocent victim. The effort of so many people to make Joey’s life better has been truly inspiring.

Joey's Friends' Fund...

Unfortunately there are more stories like these and in honor of Joey's life, we have created Joey's Friends' Fund to help other animals who arrive at MCHS with extensive medical needs resulting from a health condition, neglect or abuse.  We know that often with the proper medical treatment and extra love and compassion, an animal can lead a normal life and be given a second chance for a happy ending! Now you can help too, through a donation to this special fund.

Note: All of the funds collected for Joey’s Fund will be transferred to Joey’s Friends to help other animals. Questions about Joey’s Friends’ Fund: 240.483.2846 aowen@mchumane.org

Our special thanks to Cookie Magazine, a parenting lifestyle magazine published by Conde Nast, for providing MCHS with a generous donation to create this special fund.