Feed Friends Foundation received a message about a skinny dog walking near a fast food restaurant situated on a busy street. We asked someone to go and take a look and she saw her… but it was 11.30PM and she could not reach anyone to help. The next morning we went together and fortunately, she was still walking in the same area. We were so shocked to see the condition she was in… Not much more than skin and bones. She was limping badly but still tried to get away from us by walking towards the busy street. Fortunately we were able to catch her and take her to the vet for a checkup. She was far too skinny, dehydrated and her hip seemed to be dislocated. Since foster families are so hard to find, we had to discuss if humanely euthanizing her would be best for her. The look in her eyes made us decide to give her a shot at life, a chance to experience love. Our major concern was her weight so decided to start working on that first and when she would be strong enough, we would work on her hip.
We found a temporary foster who started to work on her recovery. On day 2, Maria stopped eating and soon after, she stopping drinking as well. On Day 3 she was still not taking any food or water… We then decided to put her on an IV three times per day to make sure she did not get dehydrated. Again we had to discuss if it would not be best to let her go… She was so afraid of us, every time we approached her she would look at us with those big eyes, not knowing what to expect. We decided to give her a little more time, again that look in her eyes made us not take that horrible decision. In the meantime, someone contacted us and informed us that she would like to foster Maria if she started to eat and drink again. After two days on the IV, she did! Slowly but surely her condition improved a little and we were able to bring her to her foster family.
Maria was lucky to find a loving and understanding family, who gave her the time and space she needed. She was so afraid in the beginning that she would hide for the most part of the day and would only eat when no one was around. Very slowly, with the help of some delicious treats, she warmed up a little and come closer. But with any sudden movements, she would run off again and hide.
When Maria was finally strong enough, it was time to plan for the operation on her hip. Since Maria was in pain when walking, she had been on painkillers for quite some time. Now she was finally ready for the operation. Since she was so afraid of us taking her to the vet, we asked if she could be spayed right away. This way, she would not have to go back again, causing her to endure more stress. Maria recovered quickly after the operation and she is now fully healthy and enjoying her life. She even came to understand that it is not scary to be inside the house and she will come inside to take treats from her foster! A huge step for her!
We received wonderful news from her foster family as well. Even though Maria still has a way to go, she fits in so well with the other dogs that her foster family decided to adopt her! This gave us goosebumps, especially since we were contemplating various times if we should let her go. To see her now, fully healthy and so happy in her own special way, confirms that we took the right decision to give her that second chance at life. A better life she deserves so much… Maria is a special dog!
We would like to thank Thea Hansates for taking care of Maria and Annemiek Gouw for fostering her and adopting her. You guys are amazing!
Please help Feed Friends with a donation: https://www.paypal.me/feedfriends
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feedfriendsfoundation/
Music Credits:
Artist: Whitesand
Track: One Man Stands In Her Way
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdxmCYNTBKE
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