New life: Peninsula family adopts Casey the Great Dane

SEQUIM — Casey, a Great Dane rescued from the West End in February after being discovered lost and suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, now has a “forever home.”

Volunteers from the Welfare for Animals Guild reported last month that Casey left the Halfway Home Ranch with a family on the Olympic Peninsula which has lots of room for him to run, along with a companion dog.

“We want to thank everyone, the wonderful community, for their tremendous support,” WAG president Barb Brabant said.

“It is amazing to see such an outpouring of love.”

Casey was found in the woods near Beaver Lake with gunshot wounds that somehow passed through his head but fractured his jaw, leaving him unable to eat. He was emaciated when found, and WAG was called for help.

WAG Ranch Manager Mel Marshall rushed him to Pacific Northwest Veterinary Hospital, where Dr. Linda Allen began lifesaving procedures. It was unknown whether Casey would survive the night, WAG representatives said, but he came through and began his journey to healing at the WAG Halfway Home Ranch, located on McComb Road in Sequim.

Casey began to gain weight with feedings every two hours and had constant care from WAG volunteers and staff.

When he had gained 12 pounds, he returned to Allen for surgery to repair his shattered jaw. Then he was able to eat denser, more nutrient-rich food and gain more weight and strength, and he took walks around the ranch.

The community responded to Casey’s story with an outpouring of donations and love, WAG representatives said. A GoFundMe account received thousands of dollars, they added.

An auction at Sonny Spaw with gifts from Sequim merchants raised $3,000 for his benefit.

Casey posed for artists at Studio Bob in Port Angeles and later passed “The Home Depot” test, calmly walking through the busy store with the noise and commotion, demonstrating his readiness for placement in a new home, WAG representatives said.

In late May, Casey’s new family reported that he is doing great: “This weekend he had his first bath and a road trip that went so well,” they said.

“He has really relaxed into our environment here, and he and [our other dog] are doing great together.”

For more information about Casey and Welfare for Animals Guild, visit wagsequimwa.com.