Animal shelters do incredible work giving pets a second chance. Some animals arrive at shelters in shocking condition, but they still step up to give them the love and care they need.
That was the case for a dog named Libby, who had a tumor the size of a volleyball. But now, her story has a happy ending.
In August, the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, in Washington state, took in a stray pit bull named Libby. They said the dog was “full of life” and had a “sweet face and kind eyes.”
However, Libby also had a serious medical concern: a 10-pound tumor the size of a volleyball, one of the largest masses they had ever seen:
Libby arrived at a hectic time for the shelter: HSTPC says Libby was just one of three urgent cases they responded to in 48 hours, and as Washington’s largest-intake shelter dozens of new animals were arriving every day.
Despite that, they resolved to give Libby the best possible care, even though they weren’t sure what the future had in store for the poor dog.
“She deserves the most compassionate care possible, but we don’t know what her outcome will be at this time,” the shelter wrote in August. “Our veterinary team is working on every possible option and will start with testing to understand what kind of tumor Libby has. For now, she is receiving pain medication to ease her discomfort and endless love from our staff.”
After giving Libby an x-ray, they discovered the tumor was in the bone of her upper right leg, and would require amputation. Reactive inflammation caused the tumor to swell to its unusual size, and was causing her agonizing pain.
Through generous donations from supporters, the shelter was able to pay for Libby’s leg amputation. The surgery, done by the vet staff at BluePearl Pet Hospital, was a success and Libby was finally free of the pain she had been living through.
Sadly, even though her tumor was gone, she was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer, and her time on earth might be limited. But in happy news, Libby has found a home!
According to HSTPC, a vet tech fell in love with Libby and agreed to adopt her. Even though she knows that Libby might not live long, she wanted to fill her remaining days with love.
“There’s something in her eyes that begs for love and safety,” her new adopter said, according to a Facebook post. “I couldn’t turn away from that.”
Libby has now been renamed “Wiggles” and is enjoying her new home, playing with her dog brother and family and taking lots of cozy naps on the couch.
“Though we’re uncertain how much time she has left, we know she’ll spend her remaining days
Canine Companions: Dogs as Heartwarming Friends with Unparalleled Love and Compassion
Meet Kylo, the rescue dog who’s overflowing with gratitude for his second chance at life. Saved from a shelter, Kylo’s heartwarming desire is to snuggle and embrace his human mom the moment she steps into their home.
Meghan Sweers, Kylo’s new owner, shares their heartwarming story. “As soon as I sit down to remove my shoes, he eagerly climbs into my lap, seeking comfort,” Meghan says. “If I delay our cuddle time, he follows me around, wearing the most soulful, pleading expression until I finally give in and hold him.”
But life wasn’t always this perfect for Kylo. When he was just 10 months old, he found himself surrendered to a shelter. After a period in a foster home with no one showing interest in the goofy dog, fate smiled upon Kylo when Sweers and her husband came into his life.
Kylo’s first night in their home couldn’t have been better. “He nestled into my lap, tucking his head under my chin, and serenaded us with his gentle snores,” Sweers reminisces. “From that moment, my husband and I knew he was meant to stay with us.”
Now, Kylo, the dog with a penchant for hugging, is forever grateful for the loving forever home he’s found. He radiates love and warmth to everyone he encounters. As Meghan puts it, “He has an endearing way of winning people over, quite insistently, by settling into their laps and dozing off peacefully.” Kylo’s unwavering affection is a testament to the transformative power of love and second chances.
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