This is a little background on my dog, Marla. I wrote this out for a Petition/Fundraiser our rescue was doing. Her story won, by the way:
In Mid-October 2007, a female brindle Boxer, was dropped off at an Indiana high-kill animal control. The man who dropped her off claimed that he found her as a stray and suggested that she be euthanized.
The little dog was completely emaciated and weighed a mere 14lbs. She was nearly naked from mange, and completely covered in sores from sitting in her own excrement.
Urine burns/pustules on her belly.
Makes me sick!
Her crippled spine was bowed from being forced into a sitting position in a small crate, and she had large calouses along her back from rubbing the top of her confinement. Her front legs were completely bowed out, into the shape of an "L" because of malnutrition and a tight living space. When she walked, her legs bent so that she walked on her carpal pads.
This dog was a total wreck.
The ACO called our rescue immediately telling them that a 4 month old Boxer had been dropped off, and was in pretty rough shape. Upon further inspection, it was determined that this tiny little Boxer was not 4 months old but, in fact, 1-2 years old. Because of her immensely small quarters, combined with improper nutrition the Boxer was unable to grow to her correct size.
The dog was promptly taken to a Veterinarian that works with us.
Here she is at the vet for likely the FIRST time in her entire life.
Look at how far out her paws are! They're completely bowed out!! And her spine is so crooked!!
She was given round the clock treatment, and although it was touch and go for a while, we refused to give up on her and the little Boxer pulled through. As much as she was poked and prodded, this little baby remained sweet and hopeful. She went to live with her foster Mom until she could regain her strength.
Marla at her foster home BEFORE coming to live with me.
Check out the scab on her head!!
Her progress was remarkable. She was adopted, by myself, the third week of November, 2007.
Picking up Marla at her foster Mom's house. Hank is already smitten.
She weighed 21lbs. Hair regrowth was slow, but steady. Her legs straightened almost immediately as well as her back. She simply needed to be able to move, and be given the appropriate nutrition. She made herself at home with a new name, Marla Mae, and a new Boxer brother named, Hank.
Hank and Marla were immediately inseperable.
Today Ms.Marla Mae is weighing in at 47lbs. She is still quite small for a Boxer, but her tiny stature doesn't slow her down at all! She loves every second of her life, and grasps any opportunity to make her Mom smile!
Her love and enthusiasm for life is incomprehensible. No matter how badly she was treated for so long, Marla doesn't hold a grudge against anyone. She loves everybody she meets, and never hesitates to cover you with kisses.
Marla is the joy in my life, and without her our little family would not be complete. We are so lucky to have found her, and are forever blessed that they saved her life. I hope that this rescue is able to continue its mission of placing amazing dogs in loving homes.
Marla last summer at the beach. Living life and loving every minute of it:)
