HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

She gazes with her big blue eyes upward from where she lays in the grass, to the human standing above. Some might say that the expression caught by the camera is just an accident, and that her crystal blue eyes just make us think she is more expressive than she is. But for those that know Princess’s story, know full well that it is a look of complete trust, a trust that, because of her history, she would have every right to never let another human merit, ever again.

You see, she lived with (“lived” with being a very loose term) a couple who hoarded animals. Hoarders accumulate animals. Sometimes they began with good intentions, but it quickly spins out of control. They often have too many animals they can possibly care for properly, and they are completely unable to notice the declining health of their animals. When confronted, they are powerless to rehome any animal, as they believe they could never get the care or love that they give them. To keep track of their animals, they often cage or chain them so that they don’t wander off.

Princess is a boxer mix who has lived three years at the end of a chain, only six feet of chain.   Despite her treatment, she seemed desperate to give affection to anyone who came near.

Here is a video during the last days of Princess’ “OLD” life.

Saving Shelter Pets, Inc. stepped in for this girl, and found that she had even more issues than anticipated.

The vet had to bathe her twice just to get enough clay and dirt off of her as a starting point. She has terrible infections from years of fleas and no flea preventative to ward them off. so bad that it requires antibiotics. Her front bottom teeth are chewed down to a pulp. The vet had to remove 12 to save her jaw. On top of this, she is heartworm positive.

Princess’ initial vet bills are $466.07 (spay, heartworm test, extractions, antibiotics, and shots), and she will then face $400 heartworm treatment.

Princess has been true to her name. Despite all the pain she has endured, she is an incredibly loving dog. She has never been inside before until Saving Shelter Pets stepped forward and she is adjusting very well to that exciting new life.

Because of her good nature, she is going to make a lucky family very happy. I can’t wait to hear about her adventures outside of her formerly tiny world once she is healed.  She is bound to be an ambassador to those she meets for rescued, and especially formerly chained dogs.  Many dogs like her don’t make it, as they are vulnerable against the elements,  they can die of dehydration if no one notices their water bowl has tipped, can die of infection, and are especially defenseless with no escape against other animals.

The happy ending to a Princess’ story hasn’t been finished yet. If it weren’t for a few people meeting each other by way of the internet, Princess’ story may have went a completely different way. You have a chance to be a part of the final pages of the story of her rescue.

If you would like to contribute to her care, Saving Shelter Pets.Inc. is a 501(3)c non profit organization and any contributions are tax deductible. No donation is too small. If you would like to contribute, you may visit SSP’s page HERE. Just make sure to mark your donation “for Princess.” It would help them be able to get Princess healed, to be able to move on to her rescue more quickly, and to be able to say “Yes” to the next dog in need.

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