Project Angel: Healing a Pit Bull Princess

My name is Shawna.  I'm hoping you'll join me in helping to heal a very special Pit Bull named Angel and help her equally awesome mama, Lisa.

 

I met Lisa in 1995 when we both worked at an animal shelter. Like a lot of people who work in animal rescue, we are often attracted to the animals that need more than a new home to be fully rescued.  In 2020, as Lisa thoughtfully prepared to adopt her most recent dog, she considered the life she could provide her new rescue. She became a regular on Petfinder, sending me profiles of the candidates that might be right for her.

In September 2020, Lisa found a girl she couldn't resist—Angel the Pit Bull. Rescued from a backyard breeder where she'd already had multiple litters by the age of four, Angel was (and continues to be) very skittish of loud noises, loud people, and three-ring binders. We know her former owner was not kind to her, and, while being very sweet and loving, she was also very hand shy. Lisa and her daughter Mara visited Angel at her foster home, the three bonded, and they began their journey together.

 

Angel's homecoming was happy and indicative of a dog who hadn't been allowed to "dog" in her younger life. Lisa said, "We believe the first time she ever had a squeaky toy was the day she came home to live with us." Now, Angel has an enviable collection of toys—squeaky, stuffy, and chewy alike.

 

Romping around New Year's Eve 2020, Angel tore her Cranial Cruciate Ligament or CCL (similar to the ACL in humans) and required major orthopedic TPLO surgery. Before Angel's surgery, Lisa prepared her house for a five-month extensive rehab regimen which included shrinking down her living space to her bedroom on the ground floor, where she created a safe space for Angel, a home office, and mini kitchen so she could stay close. Check out the video to see their surgery journey.

 

Angel also had deep emotional wounds and her healing started the day she moved in with Lisa. While Lisa continues to work with her on major separation and confinement anxiety, Lisa's early training with Angel prior to surgery laid down a solid foundation. During the five months of surgery recovery Lisa learned more about positive reinforcement training and continued low impact and/or sedentary training during her rehab which only served to strengthen their bond. Since being cleared for regular activity Angel and Lisa now work with a positive reinforcement trainer and Angel has even completed her first scenting course!

Since Angel's surgery, she's also being treated with regular chiropractic, acupuncture, laser, and Adequan injections. Not only does Angel need to continue to rehab her surgery leg, Lisa has to focus on keeping the other leg as healthy as possible since there is concern the CCL in the other knee may go and they will have to start the entire process over again.

 

Although Lisa and Angel are now back to regular activity there are certain activities—like jumping, etc.—that should always be avoided. She will need steps to get in and out of the car, onto the bed, etc. for the rest of her life. Angel is lovely but not graceful! 

 

As if that's not enough...

Lisa has also been treating Angel's chronic allergy issues, yeast infections, and ear infections. Angel has just switched to a new hypoallergenic food for a two-month trial in hopes of clearing everything up, then will ideally transition her to a new diet. She also has a mammary nodule the vet is keeping a close eye on and may require surgery in the future.

 

Angel's been through a lot. Right beside her, Lisa has been ready to invest in whatever Angel needs to thrive. To date, Lisa has invested over $16,000—a much larger financial burden than most dog adopters endure in their first year.  And the investment continues. Lisa does have pet insurance but it only covers a small amount of her overall veterinary expenses and does not cover knees at all.

As Lisa continues to support Angel, it occurred to me that she doesn't have to do it alone. All of us who love Angel—or just love her antics on Instagram—can be part of her happy ending with Lisa. Anything you can give will help Lisa pay down her maxed out credit card and replenish her savings. Please join me in giving whatever you can to support Angel and Lisa's recovery costs.

Thank you.

Shawna