Having a dog brings a significant amount of responsibility, yet unfortunately, not every ‘owner’ recognizes or accepts this fact.
In Houston, Texas, an owner kept his unfortunate dog chained outside in deplorable conditions for an agonizing six years.
The dog was ill, underfed, and required medical attention, but the owner refused to provide any care.
Fortunately, a group of devoted rescuers, street feeders, and animal control officers eventually persuaded the owner to give up the dog so she could finally access the necessary treatment.
A Hopeful Future on the Horizon
Upon receiving a message about a dog kept outside in dire situations by her owner, the rescuers acted swiftly to save her.
Their mission was clear: they needed to persuade the owner to surrender the dog. But when they finally laid eyes on her, their hearts sank.
“The owner led us to an open garage in the backyard, where she was cowering. Her appearance was skeletal, and it was evident that she was suffering from mange and had needed help for quite some time,” recounted a rescuer to The Dodo.
When they asked the owner about the last veterinarian visit, he revealed it had been over three years since her last check-up.
Thanks to their relentless efforts, the rescuers managed to convince the owner to let his beloved dog go to a rescue organization, which promised to provide her with exceptional care.
They quickly placed her into a crate and transported her toward a hopeful and brighter future. She deserved so much better.
Meanwhile, Caitie Evers from Caitie’s Foster Fam, a nonprofit rescue organization, was excitedly awaiting the arrival of her new foster dog – who would be named Marilyn – and bring her to a loving new environment.
“She had no meat on her bones, and her fur was completely gone. Dogs communicate so much emotion through their ears, and when we first got her, her ears were drooping and sad,” Caitie remarked.
Marilyn had completely lost her coat, endured two types of mange, fleas, skin infections, was underweight, and had multiple litters over the years.
Fortunately, her conditions were easily treatable, contrary to her former owner’s claims of having to spend thousands to resolve her health problems.
A Remarkable Transformation
Once Marilyn adjusted to her foster home, the first step was to begin her treatment.
Caitie provided an update on Facebook, stating, “Marilyn is receiving a bath weekly as per the veterinarian’s advice. She doesn’t enjoy it, but she is incredibly sweet and patient with me. She’s undergoing treatment with antifungal and anti-yeast medications, steroids, flea and tick preventative, antibiotics, and special baths.”
Just a week later, a significant improvement in her health was evident.
Marilyn’s daily life involved eating, resting, taking baths, and repeating the cycle.
“A month and a half into her treatment, she started to feel much better. By then, her ears were perky, happy, and alert,” Caitie noted.
Before long, Marilyn transformed beyond recognition. With her beautiful new coat and a joyful demeanor, she became completely healthy – an incredible contrast to her former existence.
The last step was to help her find a loving forever home.
A Loving Forever Home
Despite her traumatic past, Marilyn has a deep love for human companionship. Fortunately, she found her ideal family in Wisconsin who are eager to shower her with affection.
“After several months of no interest in Houston and significant progress in her training regarding reactivity to other dogs, we decided that the best option for Marilyn would be to accompany her to Wisconsin for adoption,” Caitie shared in a post.
Marilyn – now affectionately called Nala – is thriving in her forever home beside Lake Michigan, basking in the love she always deserved.
She has a wonderful feline companion named Jasmine and enjoys the spoiling she was always meant to experience.
Keep up with Nala’s journey on her Instagram – @nala.marilyn.
