A Desperate Discovery: A Dog in Severe Distress
A Good Samaritan made a distressing discovery when they encountered a severely matted and neglected dog wandering the streets near a school in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
The dog, later identified as Clara, was estimated to be twelve years old and in a deplorable state. She was suffering from starvation and dehydration, struggling to walk due to an injury, and her fur was infested with fleas and worms.
Adding to her plight, Clara was blind, and her eyes were visibly swollen.
The compassionate individual who found Clara immediately contacted the Pembroke Pines Police. When officers scanned Clara, they discovered a microchip, which would soon reveal a heartbreaking truth about her situation.
A Shocking Revelation: Owner’s Refusal to Reclaim
After identifying Clara’s owner, who resided in Fort Lauderdale, the police contacted them to inform them that their dog had been found.
The officers anticipated that Clara’s family would be relieved and eager to reunite with her. However, their expectations were met with a shocking response.
Clara’s owner claimed that she had been missing since May 2024 and then stated that they did not wish to take her back. The police were stunned by this rejection.
This prompted the police to initiate an investigation into Clara’s owners, seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding her condition and abandonment. There was suspicion that she may have been subjected to abuse.
Recognizing Clara’s urgent need for medical attention, the officers reached out to Angela Goodwin, the founder of Pooches in Pines, an animal rescue organization.
Goodwin was deeply saddened by Clara’s condition and dedicated herself to finding a foster home or safe haven where the dog could receive the necessary care and recover.
A Fight for Survival: Clara’s Medical Crisis
Goodwin’s efforts led her to contact Abandoned Pet Rescue, a shelter in Fort Lauderdale known for its commitment to saving animals without resorting to euthanasia.
The shelter readily welcomed Clara, pledging to provide her with the support and treatment she needed.
Kara Starzyk, the shelter manager, expressed gratitude to the Good Samaritan who had found Clara.
She emphasized that Clara, being blind, likely wouldn’t have survived much longer on the streets. She could have easily fallen victim to a traffic accident or other dangers.
Veterinary examinations at Abandoned Pet Rescue revealed that Clara had a uterine infection, requiring emergency surgery.
However, Clara was also anemic, making the surgery a high-risk procedure.
The veterinary team worked diligently to improve Clara’s condition to a point where she could safely undergo surgery. Displaying a remarkable will to live, Clara began to fight for her survival.
The surgery was successful, bringing immense relief to everyone involved in her care. Clara then began her recovery journey in a loving foster home.
A Hope for Love: Clara’s Resilience and Future
As the days passed, Clara’s health steadily improved. She received antibiotics, necessary supplements, and eye drops as part of her ongoing treatment.
Gradually, Clara demonstrated her remarkable resilience. She regained her strength and began to walk again.
Despite her history of abuse and neglect, Clara displayed a sociable and affectionate personality.
“She now barks for attention and food and she loves to rub her face in your hands and snuggle in warm blankets,” Abandoned Pet Rescue shared on Facebook.
While Clara requires ongoing medical care, including regular checkups and daily eye drops, her caregivers believe that she has many more years of life to enjoy.
Their hope is that she will find a peaceful home with loving humans who will shower her with affection and show her the true meaning of love.
