In Lexington, Kentucky, the Lexington Humane Society, a loving dog, Raisin was returned this week, and staff members were heartbroken to see her suffering once again after her remarkable recovery last year.
It had been in March 2024 when Raisin arrived severely underweight with terrible skin issues, a mere shell of a dog and earning her the name ‘Raisin’. She weighed a mere 17 pounds, nearly half of what she should have weighed. She arrived starving, terrified and covered in sores, open wounds and scars.
Every bone of her body was visible; her stomach was sunken and the lack of puppy fat on her pitiful face all bore witness to the unimaginable neglect and abuse she must have endured.
Following a thorough examination, the veterinary team deemed Raisin’s condition among some of the most severe they had ever encountered. Slowly Raisin healed with the help of her foster home parent, and the advocates who helped support her recovery as she was treated with IV fluids, antibiotics and a strict refeeding program.
And slowly her eyes began to show a sparkle, her ribs became covered with a healthy young dog muscle and fat, and her tail wagged non stop. Raisin held no grudges, and she was so happy to be an energetic pooch again.
And then she was adopted; she was ready to take on life with gusto, and the rescue organization sent her to her new home, believing her bad days of starvation, pain and abuse were distant nightmares.
Sadly, last week, Raisin came back to the rescue. She only weighed 19 pounds. Her nails were curled from overgrowth. Her body was covered in fly bites and her own waste.
It’s hard to describe how it feels to see her like this – how hearts all over the shelter broke, knowing she survived unimaginable neglect, was loved and healed, only to end up right back where she started. We trusted someone with this beautiful dog, and that trust was shattered.
But Raisin? She still trusts.
She still greets everyone with soft eyes and a wagging tail. She leans into every hand that reaches out to comfort her. After everything, Raisin is loving, forgiving, and brave in a way that humbles us all.
Raisin is safe now. She’s being treated and monitored by the veterinary team. Again.
This recovery will take time. Again.
And she can’t do it without you.
Please give today to help Raisin heal and make sure she can truly find her happily ever after.
Please give today to help Raisin heal and make sure she can truly find her happily ever after.
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Puppy looks more like a bear cub.
