Monday, July 13: Today begins the journey of a dog named Precious. Her story is like so many sad tales heard minute by minute in the animal world. We are living in a time of epidemic population and killing of companion animals.

Precious is in Northern California and is about to enter a rehabilitation program sponsored by AngelDogs Training and Reunion Rescue.

A bit of Precious's back story begins three years ago when Precious was one of 4 or 5 puppies, the fourth litter from dogs owned by a Berkeley, California couple. Precious was born deaf.

The parent dogs were gunned down and killed by Berkeley police who "used assault rifle to shoot dogs indoors 19 times." According to witnesses, the "dogs were said not to be acting aggressively when killed."

Precious was adopted out to a homeless couple at the early age of 6 weeks. She lived in a tent and in the couple's car for the first 2 plus years of her life.

Precious developed severe separation anxiety and would howl so loudly, she could not be left alone.

When the gentleman was incarcerated, his partner became involved with a man with history of "2 or 3 girls dying (overdosing)....and was said to be kind of guy who would beat a woman or dog without hesitation."

Precious's mom died of a heroin overdose. From witnesses, "Precious dog was reported by passers by to be dragging her leash, frantically running through neighborhoods, lost and unapproachable.

Precious dog snapped and charged at strangers who tried to catch her.  Animal control was called and used a catch pole to catch her. At Berkeley's shelter Precious was deemed aggressive and slated for euthanasia when her hold was up."

When the original adopter was released from jail, he found Precious the day her hold period was up and was able to retrieve her, walking her calmly from the shelter without incident. This is evident from studies done on Katrina refugee dogs who exhibited aggressive tendencies, yet became docile and manageable when reunited with their owners.

After an incident in which a woman reportedly high on drugs tried to kiss Precious who snapped at the woman.

Precious had to go. A rescue stepped forward to help and Debi Bel, longtime pit bull advocate and rescuer offered to foster.

Debi has spent $1,000 to date on care and training, but needs help. Reunion Rescue and AngelDogs Training will be working together to completely rehabilitate Precious so that she might begin at three to learn to enjoy life as a regular dog.

Precious will first be started on a holistic diet. A detox will be performed to remove the toxicity, metals and poisons injected into Precious's body from over-vaccination.

A blog has been created Saving Precious to update her progress with pictures and progress reports not only to keep supporters informed, but also, to help other dogs with problems.