Update: The golden is going to a golden retriever rescue — volunteers are happy but also sad the dogs are being separated…the German shepherd still needs rescue.

Two bonded senior dogs are at death’s door in a county shelter in Florida because their owner left them there. The dogs had been purchased from breeders over ten years ago, and their owner was unwilling or unable to pay for their veterinary care. They have been neglected — one dog is emaciated, and both are heartworm positive.

The Facebook post about the two sweet-tempered dogs says, “The shelter has sent out a rescue plea for these poor sweet seniors. They were both originally bought from breeders, now at 11 (years old) surrendered to the shelter in rough condition due to vetting costs for them. They sure deserve better!!! THEY ARE BONDED and are a great pair of dogs!

The plea continued, “These two dogs came in together, they were owner surrendered because the cost of medical care. Both dogs will need continued vet care. Both were obtained from a breeder.”

Champ is ID#A1671707. He is an eleven-year-old golden retriever. He has never been neutered. He has chronic allergic dermatitis and neurologic deficits. He will need further veterinary workup. He is also heartworm positive.

Sampson is ID#A1671706. He is an eleven-year-old neutered male German shepherd. He is very, very thin and has mild neurologic deficits in the right hind limb. He will also need further veterinary care. Sampson is also heartworm positive.

These dogs urgently need rescue or an adopter willing to cover their medical costs. Pledging on their Facebook thread would also help them get pulled because a rescue would have some assistance with the medical bills. Please share their story! They only have until October 3rd to find rescue.

If you can help these dogs please email rescuepets@hillsboroughcounty.org and CC rescuemetampa@yahoo.com.

There is more information on how to help these two dogs on their Facebook thread. Their owner, who abandoned them at the shelter to die, told someone at the shelter about the dogs he had for over a decade:

I spoke to this person today. He has had them since they were puppies. He wanted us to know that they are low energy and know sit, stay and walk on leashes. They enjoy baths and are good natured dogs.

Both dogs are at Hillsborough County Animal Services, 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619. The shelter is open every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Please note: Respectful comments that are free from profanity will be posted. ALSO, do NOT post comments about rescue on this site. The shelter and the volunteers will NOT see it. Use the emails listed in the article or go to the Facebook page and post comments there.