Sick dog’s ‘energetic spirit’ hid a heartbreaking story. Then a shelter stepped in
A happy dog is physically on the mend after she was rescued by a Philadelphia shelter.
Piper, a 5-year-old Labrador retriever mix, is such a vibrant soul that it’s hard to believe she lived a life of pain and neglect brought on by her former owners, the Pennsylvania SPCA said in a Nov. 15 Facebook post.
“Piper the Labrador embodies her breed’s joyful, energetic spirit,” the shelter said. “Her tail wags with infectious enthusiasm, her eyes sparkle with curiosity, and she’s always ready to greet the world with a happy wiggle and a boundless love for life—especially when food is involved.”
Luckily, Piper’s zest for life didn’t fade even though it was clear she was suffering.
“But behind her sweet, eagerness lies heartbreak. When our Animal Law Enforcement team first met Piper, they were struck by a glaring difference from the typical Labrador. Her coat was not the typical shiny yellow,” the shelter continued. “Instead, her body was ravaged by red, raw, and flaky skin, the result of her violent itching and neglect.
“It was so severe that our officer initially thought she was sitting in a pile of sawdust—only to realize it was her own skin, sloughing off from the constant torment of scratching.”
To top it off, her former owners did not get help for their dog who was in visible pain, and they put her out of sight.
“Piper’s owners had not sought any veterinary care for their suffering dog. Instead, they isolated her in a basement away from other pets, fearing she might be contagious. This sweet girl, left alone in pain, had nowhere to turn,” the shelter said.
The SPCA stepped in and came to Piper’s aid in October, giving her the immediate care she required to ease her pain.
“Piper’s spirit remained unbroken. Now, with the expert care of our hospital team, she is on the path to recovery. Through medications, soothing baths, and, above all, love, Piper is blossoming before our eyes,” the shelter said.
“She’s already made incredible progress, but we can’t wait to see the full glow-up just around the corner.”
As of Nov. 15, she’s still available for adoption. For more information on Piper, visit her pet profile on the shelter’s website.
This story was originally published November 15, 2024 at 11:58 AM with the headline "Sick dog’s ‘energetic spirit’ hid a heartbreaking story. Then a shelter stepped in."