The animal shelter workers in Donna, Texas, are typically known for their calm and collected demeanor, but their emotions were stirred on Tuesday when they came face to face with a severely afflicted dog. To their astonishment, the unfortunate creature was covered in ticks from head to toe.
In the bustling streets of Texas, a small and lovable puppy found herself in a dire struggle to stay alive. The neglect she had endured had taken its toll, leaving her teetering on the edge of life itself. One fateful day, she stumbled into a stranger’s yard, who wasted no time in reaching out to the compassionate team at Dallas Dog – Rescue. Rehab. Reform. Their expertise and dedication were immediately sought to offer a glimmer of hope to this poor creature. The sight that greeted them was heart-wrenching – the puppy was riddled with an army of bloodsucking ticks, occupying every inch of her tiny body. With such an overwhelming infestation, it was a challenge to even catch a glimpse of her true appearance. These menacing parasites had taken residence on her paws, back, ears, and breast, infiltrating every crevice.
“Amora, the lovable pup, has been brought to the veterinary partner by the rescue team, in a critical condition. The team is working hard to stabilize her health before transporting her to Dallas, but her prognosis is still uncertain.
The next day brought some positive news! A person on the ground reported that “Mi Amor” had made it through the night and was about to be fed. More ticks had been discovered, and even though I was willing to help with cleaning, I decided to wait until the staff gave the green light. The medical team was planning to perform another complete blood count (CBC) to determine if she required additional blood transfusions. I urged them to notify us promptly if they needed to transfer her to another facility for further treatment. Fortunately, all remaining ticks were successfully removed on the same day.
While I sat down on the ground, offering solace to my adorable furry buddy, she responded with anxiety and aggression towards our visitors. Nonetheless, as the moments ticked by, she gradually grew more at ease with them and surprisingly began imitating their actions. I was pleasantly surprised when Ava, my female German Shepherd, voluntarily assumed the role of a mentor, teaching her newfound companion the ropes of using the outdoor restroom, which consequently led to a complete absence of any further indoor mishaps.
When she feels frightened, she finds solace on the bathroom rug or the beds in the designated “dog room”. However, she is gradually growing more comfortable and has begun to venture into different areas of the house on her own. Our current focus is on helping her adjust to riding in cars, wearing a harness, being held, and taking baths. She feels more secure with the presence of another dog or her human companion, which boosts her confidence. She has a strong desire for constant companionship and finds great joy in always having someone by her side.
