By Nicole June
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – After more than a year of rehabilitation and legal battles, a neglected senior dog has finally settled into his safe forever home.
In March of 2016 Montgomery County Animal Care and Control picked up Ulysses, who had been abandoned on Ussery Rd. in what was described as deplorable condition. He was feverish, suffering from mange, and had a severe infection that resulted in the removal of both of his eyes.
“This is long term neglect, not something that suddenly occurred overnight,” Animal Control Director Jeanette Farrell said of his condition at the time.
Shortly after Ulysses’ case was made public, his owner voluntarily came forward and was charged with animal cruelty. Farrell said the former owner, Clifford Moreland, failed to seek veterinary care for Ulysses and had not even reported him missing.
Moreland’s case was eventually bound over to the Montgomery County Grand Jury and he was indicted in Circuit Court, according to court records.
Throughout the course of the legal proceedings Ulysses spent his time recovering, thanks to the care of the staff at Sango Vet Hospital. A portion of his care was paid for through donations from a GoFundMe account set up by a local animal advocate.
In May 2016 Moreland filed a motion to have Ulysses, or “Skittles” as he was known to Moreland, returned to him, but the motion was denied.
On April 20, 2017, Moreland’s case was set for Trial Conference. Records show that he entered a best interest plea of guilty to an animal cruelty charge, which is considered a Class A misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days of state supervised probation.
As a result of the plea, Moreland was forced to permanently surrender Ulysses, who had been in the protective custody of Animal Control throughout the case.
Now that the legal portion of his story is over, Ulysses can live out the rest of his days with his new family in Jackson, TN. His foster mother, Lisa Carlisle, has officially adopted him and helped him adjust.
Carlisle initially agreed to foster Ulysses because she reminded him of her other dog who also suffers from a chronic skin condition. She said she was thrilled when Farrell reached out to her and asked her to foster in April of last year.
Once Moreland pleaded guilty and signed over his rights, Carlisle was able to make Ulysses a permanent part of the family. She said he has adapted well and loves playing with her two young grandchildren.
“He is the gentlest, sweetest thing,” she said. “They love him like he’s the most beautiful dog in the world.”
Carlisle said a lot of Ulysses’ hair has grown back and he has regained his confidence and energy levels. She admits that he’s a bit spoiled and enjoys taking showers.
She expressed her gratitude for the efforts of Farrell, Sango Vet Hospital, the woman who created the GoFundMe, and all those who donated to help care for Ulysses. “How lucky is he that he had such wonderful people?” she said.
However, Carlisle is the one who feels truly lucky. She said Ulysses has brought her so much joy and is a wonderful asset to her life.
“Every dog deserves a chance,” she said. “He may not be the prettiest dog but he is the most wonderful, sweetest thing you’ll ever run into.”