When she arrived at the
APL, Katie’s appearance was heartbreaking. The boxer mix was extremely underweight, with very little fur and open sores. Katie had been confined in one room for most of her life; now her owner was moving, and could not take Katie along.
The
APL staff quickly set to work. One of the first orders of business: a bath.
APL volunteer Angela stepped in to help. Initially, Katie was frightened and cowered, but eventually she let Angela run the water over her, calming her irritated skin. During her bath, Katie rested her head on Angela’s arm, and looked into her eyes, pleading for some relief. At that moment, Angela recalls, Katie won her heart. Angela was determined to give this sick, neglected dog a better life. She became Katie’s foster mom, less than a week after Katie’s arrival at the
APL.
The road to that better life wasn’t short, or without its bumps. Katie’s skin issues were complex and difficult to diagnose and treat. The
APL’s veterinary staff performed tests and applied treatments, and even referred Katie to a doggie dermatologist! Because of the
APL’s Second Chance Program, which provides medical care to animals with serious illnesses or injuries, Katie’s conditions were treated, giving her a second chance at a healthy, happy life.
Katie, whose luck previously had been so bad, hit the jackpot with this foster mom. A health care professional (and ardent dog lover), Angela was well-equipped to handle the frequent baths, topical medication, injections, and special diet necessary to get Katie healthy. After some months, Katie even began to re-grow a bit of fur, and Angela could see at last what color Katie would be!
It took some time for Katie to become healthy enough to be declared ready for adoption. Finally, after nearly a year in foster care, that day came, and her place in Angela’s family became official. Katie celebrated with an adoption day party at Bow Wow Beach. Her face that day was a picture of sheer joy, as she ran in the water, carrying her beloved toy. It was an experience Katie likely couldn’t have imagined just a year before.
Katie’s life now is a dog’s dream. Her family includes Angela and her husband, Randy, canine and feline siblings, and even a grandma who adores her. Katie loves playing with balls and biting the garden hose. And at night, when Angela tells her it’s bedtime, Katie goes in her bed, and Angela covers her with an afghan and gives her a toy. Katie drifts off to sleep, perhaps dreaming of the adventures to come.
Katie got her second chance thanks to the Second Chance Program, the
APL’s dedicated staff, and Angela. And Katie gave people a second chance, too, to love her and give her the life she deserves. Congratulations to Katie and her family on this happily-ever after.
Information about the Cleveland APL
To meet the adoptable animals at the Cleveland APL, visit our adoption center in Tremont at 1729 Willey Avenue in Cleveland or our PetSmart Charities® Everyday Adoption Center in the Parma PetSmart® store at 6870 Ridge Road. To view all of the animals who are waiting for loving homes online or on your mobile device, visit www.ClevelandAPL.org or download our free adoptions app on your iOS or Android device.
Our Facebook page is called “Cleveland Animal Protective League”. Here is the link to it for your reference: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cleveland-Animal-Protective-League/29396512928
Our Twitter handle is @Cleveland APL. Here is a link: https://twitter.com/ClevelandAPL
Carmen Rey
Communications & Events Coordinator
Cleveland Animal Protective League