More than a month ago, a 12-year-old Shih Tzu named Clara, was found roaming alone on the side of a road near a school in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The Good Samaritan called local authorities for help; the little dog was terribly matted and appeared to be both blind and deaf and could barely walk.
Clara is one of the lucky abandoned dogs. She had an entire community reaching out to help her. Had it not been for the Good Samaritan who stopped to save her, she might have been hit by car. February 20, 2025 was Clara’s lucky day. Combine that stroke of luck with the kindness of the Pembroke Pines Police and Angela Goodwin, the founder of the animal rescue group Pooches in Pines, Clara’s needs – both physical and emotional would soon be addressed:
Nothing says ‘community’ like multiple organizations coming together to save a life! This is exactly what we were able to do with sweet Clara, thanks to Pooches in Pines, Pembroke Pines Police Department and Wynwood Dog Food Company!
The rescue group Abandoned Pet Rescue stepped in to help after Goodwin reached out for their help. Clara’s condition upon arrival was truly heartbreaking. She had been starving and infested with fleas and worms. Her eyes had been swollen shut. She was matted, had a terrible odor and could barely stand or walk.
Her bloodwork showed an infection in her body, and she required emergency surgery for an infected uterus, but even though her odds of surviving were unknown at the time, Clara had other ideas. She was a fighter, and she let everyone know she was not about to give up. Her condition continues to improve with a steady course of antibiotics as well as eyedrops daily.
She is also on a special diet to improve her kidney function; the prescription diet donated by Wynwood Dog Food.
Rescuers did find a microchip on Clara, and everyone hoped that her family would be relieved to know she had been rescued and was doing quite well in spite of her terrifying experiences alone on the streets. Her owners were traced to a person living in Fort Lauderdale, but then the heartbreaking disappointment set in.
The owner stated Clara had been missing since last May, but they DID NOT want her back!
And through all this, this tiny senior dog inspires all of us. She barks for attention, She loves to eat, she loves to be rubbed and snuggle. And now she’s ready for a permanent home or a loving foster.
She is a sweet old lady that is blind and does not walk well yet, but she is potty trained when brought outside. She needs daily eye drops, which along with all her medical care, is provided by APR. Seeing Clara become a happy, healthy dog is incredibly rewarding so we hope to find a kind person that wants to be a part of her healing journey.
To foster or adopt Clara, please complete an application at AbandonedPetRescue.org or email [email protected].
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
Miracle that this dog managed to survive for nearly a year!!!
If she can come to Washington state, she’s always welcome!!!