A dauntless spiritWe first met Katniss while visiting a high-kill shelter to save an injured puppy. Upon arrival staff asked if we would be willing to take a look at another dog that had recently been admitted after being hit by not just one, but two cars. As we entered the shelter's medical ward we were met with a steady thumping sound. It was Katniss's tail, wagging away happily at the approach of new visitors. Though three of her legs were heavily bandaged and she could not stand, the two-year-old boxer mix happily wiggled her way over to greet us. It was obvious to us that despite her injuries, Katniss had a dauntless spirit, which could not be broken and that hers was a life worth saving. It was just two days before Christmas and we could not fathom leaving her behind. A very good patientUpon arrival at The Pet Rescue Center, her bandages were cut away and the full extent of her injuries could be seen. The trauma she endured was apparent and heartbreaking. In addition to sustaining a fractured front leg, three of her feet had severe degloving injuries, the skin was ripped away and the bone beneath, visible. Initially her doctor wasn't certain that her left rear foot could be saved because the damage was so extensive. She would have to be in a splint and endure having her paws re-bandaged and packed in sugar daily for several weeks. Throughout her recovery process Katniss's happy personality did not waver for a single moment. Though she must have been in quite a bit of pain, she always wagged her tail and rewarded her nurses with lots of kisses during treatments. She was such a good patient in fact, that she even helped a class of future vet tech's learn how to properly bandage injuries. It was a lot of work for everyone, most especially Katniss, but after months of care all 4 feet were saved and this sweet girl was walking without pain on the road to recovery.A forever homeOnce Katniss was healed our new goal was to find a forever home for our special girl. Her affectionate personality had touched the hearts of many and she had a lot of fans at The Pet Rescue Center who were invested in her future happiness. We were soon contacted by an Orange County family that had seen Katniss's photos circulating on social media. They quickly made an appointment to come meet her. Like all of us, they were immediately charmed by her snaggle toothed smile and gentle personality. Katniss was on her way to a happy life in a loving home.A safe & comfortable lifeKatniss is now settled into her new life with a family that adores her. Her mom is happy to report that she is doing very well and calls Katniss her best friend. She and her husband tell us that, "this wonderful, beautiful girl is one of the best things that has ever happened to them." It wasn't very long ago that even standing up was a painful task for Katniss, now she loves taking long walks and running in the backyard with her family. Our precious girl has come such a long way and is now living the safe, comfortable life that everyone who cares for her hoped she would get and knew she deserved.Here at The Pet Rescue Center we try to take on as many medical cases as we can. We do not consider these unfortunate dogs and cats to be "unadoptable", just "in need". The transformations they go through while in our care are remarkable and rewarding to witness. Happy outcomes like these are only possible with the help of our incredible donors. It's because of you that dogs like Katniss, get a second chance at life.To help more pets like Katniss go from hopeless to happiness, support The Pet Rescue Center.
