In Lancaster, South Carolina, earlier this month, animal control officers from the county shelter were notified about a tiny dog in critical condition. She had been left abandoned on the side of a Lancaster road. A motorist driving by had spotted her.
The small dog, named Hope, estimated to be between 8 to 12 years of age, weighed less than five pounds and was severely infected and swollen; her matted fur crusted with feces and urine covered her frail frame.
One can only imagine the neglect she had endured as she was deprived of eating, drinking and walking. And then she was left in a ditch on the side of the road. How long had she been ignored and trapped inside her old coat? Lancaster County Animal Shelter director Alan Williams described Hope’s condition as the worst he had ever seen a dog still alive.
Somehow Hope had not given up.
She was transferred to the Lancaster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. When she arrived at the emergency veterinary hospital, the team sedated Hope in order to remove her matted fur. Beneath all that mess, Hope suffered from severe deformities in her paws.
Subsequent examinations and testing suggest Hope’s limb deformities are consistent with rickets; a condition that develops in puppies that have not received proper nutrition. If Hope’s condition is confirmed, officials said it would indicate she may not have received adequate nutrition during key stages of growth and development.
Her condition did not develop overnight.
Combined with the rest of her condition, there is concern that she may have spent much of her life in confinement with limited access to the basic care every dog deserves.
Today, Hope is safe, and she is receiving care. Maybe for the first time in a long time she is being shown love.
But there’s more encouraging news to share. She is eating well, she now takes oral medications and she goes “potty” on her own. She now is able to stand and can even take a few steps with support. She tested negative for heartworms. Above all, and this is the best to report; Hope loves all the affection she is receiving from the veterinary staff. She is truly a love bug.
Her blood glucose level still remains low, and it isn’t known if it is related to hypoglycemia or sepsis.
Recent orthopedic findings also showed her left front leg will continue to be bandaged daily for wound management. She has Grade 4 luxating patellas in both back legs.
Hope will also be evaluated by both an eye specialist and an internal medicine specialist to get a better picture of the prognosis for her future. Hope has now moved to a foster home for the one on one care she’s surely going to love.
At this time, Hope has been placed with an experienced medical foster (vet tech) so she can continue receiving the specialized care she needs. When she is medically cleared, and the team has a better understanding of her long term needs, everyone informed in order to provide the opportunity to apply for continued foster care or adoption.
Hope’s Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/reg…/gl/guest-view/1GBBTWB10UR9J..
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Anyone who recognizes Hope is asked to contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
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