When a Good Samaritan discovered a severely matted and neglected dog on the streets near a school in Pembroke Pines, Florida, they were heartbroken. The twelve-year-old dog, later named Clara, was starving, dehydrated, and unable to walk properly due to an injury. Her fur was infested with fleas and worms, and at the same time, she was blind with swollen eyes.
The compassionate individual promptly contacted the Pembroke Pines Police. Upon scanning Clara, the officers found a microchip, leading to a devastating revelation.
Heartbreaking News
After learning that Clara had an owner in Fort Lauderdale, police contacted them, expecting joy at the news of their lost dog. To their shock, Clara’s family insisted that she had been missing since May 2024 and expressed they didn’t want to reunite with her. Stunned, the police launched an investigation, suspecting the dog had suffered abuse and abandonment.
Recognizing Clara’s urgent medical needs, the officers reached out to Angela Goodwin, founder of Pooches in Pines, an animal rescue. Goodwin was heartbroken at Clara’s condition and dedicated herself to finding her a foster home where she could heal.
Fighting For Her Life
Goodwin connected with Abandoned Pet Rescue, the only shelter in Fort Lauderdale that rescues animals without resorting to euthanasia. They welcomed Clara with open arms, pledging to help her in any way possible.
Kara Starzyk, the shelter manager, expressed gratitude to the Good Samaritan who found Clara, affirming that the blind dog wouldn’t have survived on the streets much longer, as she could have easily been hit by a car.
The veterinary team at Abandoned Pet Rescue examined Clara and discovered that she had a uterine infection, necessitating emergency surgery. However, due to her anemia, the operation posed significant risks. The team worked diligently to stabilize Clara for surgery, and fortunately, her fighting spirit shone through. Everyone was relieved when she not only survived the surgery but began her recovery in a caring foster home.
Hoping To Find True Love
As days turned into weeks, Clara’s health improved significantly. The vets provided her with antibiotics, essential supplements, and eye drops, allowing her to show remarkable resilience as she regained strength and began walking again. Despite her painful past of abuse and neglect, she emerged as a sociable and affectionate companion. “She now barks for attention and food, and loves to rub her face in your hands and snuggle in warm blankets,” shared Abandoned Pet Rescue on Facebook.
While Clara requires regular medical checkups and daily eye drops, her caregivers are optimistic about her future, believing she has many joyful years left. They dream of finding her a peaceful home with loving humans who can shower her with the affection she has long deserved.
