A sweet street dog found with hundreds of ticks covering her ears is finally safe and getting the care she desperately needed.
The dog, named Princess, had been surviving on the streets of Mexicali, Mexico, when California-based rescue group Loving PAWSabilities learned about her condition and stepped in to help.
Rescuers were horrified by the signs of neglect on her small body, especially the massive number of ticks attached to her ears.
A severe tick infestation can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Beyond causing pain and irritation, ticks can spread disease, while heavy infestations may lead to blood loss, anemia and serious tissue damage.
Despite everything Princess had endured, rescuers said she remained gentle, trusting and affectionate.
That made her condition even more heartbreaking.
Loving PAWSabilities quickly shared photos of Princess online and put out an urgent plea for help. Soon afterward, Southern California resident Carolina Mora stepped forward to assist.
Before Princess could be transported across the border, however, she first needed to be examined by a veterinarian.
Within hours of her story being shared, the rescue received the answer it had been hoping for.
“Princess got her YES,” the group announced.
Princess is now receiving veterinary care and reportedly doing well, but she still has another major hurdle ahead.
She needs a foster home where she can continue recovering.
In an Aug. 30 Facebook post, Loving PAWSabilities said Princess is approximately 1½ to 2 years old and weighs about 29 pounds.
The rescue described her as “an incredibly sweet, gentle and loving girl” who gets along well with both dogs and cats.
The organization is searching for a foster family anywhere in Southern California.
Loving PAWSabilities said it will cover Princess’s food, supplies, medication and veterinary expenses. The foster family would simply need to provide her with a safe home and plenty of love.
The rescue specializes in saving dogs from the streets of Mexico and helping them find permanent homes.
For anyone who cannot foster Princess, the organization is asking people to share her story in hopes that the right person will see it.
After surviving life on the streets and such a painful infestation, Princess finally has people fighting for her — and now rescuers hope her next stop will be a loving home where she can heal in peace.
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