The Bucket Foundation // Shelter Animals

Patch (the German Shepherd)
Patch was found in the middle of a road where he had lain down to die. Unable to walk, blind from malnutrition, virtually hairless with mange, and smelling of infected rotting flesh, as well as bleeding from swollen paws, he was near death when he was picked up and taken to the vet. After examining him, the vet delivered the sad news that it would probably be best to put him down - that he might not even be a dog. He might just be a coyote! However, his rescuers could not turn their backs on such a sick and obviously neglected animal. Several months later, Patch was released from the hospital and was on his way to good health. He regained his vision and grew in an unusually luxurious coat. Today he is a beautiful example of a German Shepherd who is enjoying a wonderful life on a horse farm where he lives with several other Bucket Shelter dogs.

Buford (the Coon Hound)
Buford is truly a survivor and is an excellent example of how even a "handicapped" dog can have a full and satisfying life. Buford wandered up to the Bucket shelter dragging a useless hind leg and sporting only one functional eye. His hind leg had been hestroyed by a shotgun blast and ultimately had to be removed. Today, although he is 3 legged and one eyed, he is the strongest member of the shelter "pack." He especially loves to swim in the river and go on trail rides with horseback riders.

Phoebe (Lab mix)
Phoebe was an exceptionally distressed dog who was fortunately rescued by a compassionate citizen who found her dangling by one hind leg in a wire cow fence. Certainly she could not have survived much longer in this situation...Besides the injuries she endured in the fence, Phoebe was nearly starved to death. After a stint at the vet's, Phoebe now lives at the Bucket shelter where she has 7 fenced acres to run around in, as well as 2 square meals a day. Her best friend is fellow shelter mate, Izzaroo.

Izzaroo (Shepherd mix)

Izzaroo was abandoned at a gas station at an Interstate exit in Tennessee. She had been sitting between 2 gas pumps for days, apparently waiting for her people to come back for her. Fortunately, she was observed by a rider returning from a horse show who decided to take her home with her. Izzaroo now enjoys a happy life at the horse farm where the Bucket shelter is located.

Moon (22 year old

Black/Brown Quarter Horse)
Moon was a beautiful pleasure horse who contracted a severe, permanent crippling hoof ailment during the mid-1990's. At the time, his owner had a choice to sell him at auction (where he would no doubt be purchased by the "killer" buyers) or to try to find him a home with someone who was willing and able to care for his life long medical condition. Eventually, his owner decided to leave him in a field with another horse that belonged to an eventual founder of the Bucket Foundation. She immediately adopted him as her own, and he has spent the last several years as a companion horse in a wonderful, safe foster home where he receives excellent care and is thriving despite his limited abilities. He was the first equine to be cared for by the Foundation.

Fluffy (Fox hound)
In 2005 Fluffy was found wandering the back roads and scrounging for food and starving. She now enjoys life hunting in the large fenced horse pastures by day and snuggling in her bed in the barn by night.

Kat (Horse)
Kat has been either at a shelter or a nearby foster home supported by the Bucket Foundation for 3 years. She is in our temporary care until her owner is able to reclaim her.

Zang (Sanctuary Horse)
Zang (age 28 in 2009) is one of several permanent residents of our sanctuary.

Ogie (Horse)
Ogie is a very special older event horse who the Foundation has retired to Paradigm Farms for his final years. (www.retiredhorses.com)

Rocky (Pit Bull)
Rocky was rescued after he was dumped as a very young dog at a city park. He is very sociable and friendly with everyone, people and other dogs alike. He is a favorite of the shelter dog "pack."

Azadonya (Horse)
Azadonya has been a resident of our shelter since 2004. She has suffered from severe hormonal imbalances which have manifested themselves in dangerous behavior to herself and others. She was eventually spayed in 2008, and she is now progressing rapidly in her training. She is not available for adoption or foster placement at this time.