A pit bull puppy has made an incredible transformation after being found nearly blind with her eyes matted shut.
Aimee Shaw, 52, and Kenneth Shaw, 52, who are the founders of Shaw Pit Bull Rescue, received a call from a concerned member of the public who spotted the dog with wounds all over her body.
The couple, from Columbus, Mississippi, US, had a full house at the rescue centre but after being sent photos knew they had to make room for the dog, who they later named Morena.
The poor puppy, who was just five and a half months old, was suffering from a horrific case of demodectic mange, an inflammatory skin condition caused by microscopic mites.
"[The good samaritan] stated the dog had wounds all over her body, and eyes were matted shut.
"We were full, but after seeing her photos, we quickly made room and asked the rescuer to meet us at our vet with the dog," Aimee said.
"It [her skin condition] had gone untreated for so long that she also had bacterial and yeast infections as well as open sores and scabs all over her tiny body.
"She weighed in at only 24 pounds and for the first several days, she was too weak for actual medications to help her condition."
The pup was given medical baths every other day and daily eye drops to help her infected and swollen eyes.
Aimee said: "We weren't sure if she would be blind or able to see.
"It took about a week before she could fully open her eyes and was well enough to begin the strong antibiotics to help her skin.
"As well as the medical baths she also had to wear doggie sweaters and pyjamas to keep her warm since her hair was so patchy."
Morena remained in Aimee and Kenneth's care until she was well enough to join in with the other dogs at the centre, Shaw Pit bull Rescue Inc.
Despite everything she has suffered, the dog is friendly to everyone she encounters.
Aimee said: "After everything she'd been through in her short life, she never once showed anything but absolute joy to be around people, other dogs, just anybody at all."
Once recovered, Morena was adopted in August 2020.
Tragically however, she was soon found at animal control, having been picked up after she was spotted wandering the streets.
Aimee and Kenneth rang the owner to share that their pet had been found but they allegedly refused to reclaim her – which saw Morena forced to go back to the rescue again.
The dog has a lovely life at the centre but is still eagerly awaiting her forever home.
Aimee added: "She fell back into kennel life like she'd never left – and is the same sweet, goofy girl from two years ago.
"She loves to play with other dogs, people, and loves attention and petting.
"Morena enjoys going for walkies around the property – especially the Phat Farm where the pigs, chickens, and goats live.
"She'll be here with us until her true forever home comes along.
"Once a Shaw dog, always a Shaw dog. We will always make room for one of ours – we will never turn our backs on them."
Anyone keen to adopt Morena should contact Shaw Pit bull Rescue Inc.
