- May 6, 2024
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Abby' s life may have started out rough but she' s making up for lost time. Courtesy photos Flagler Humane Society
Abby was near death when Flalger Animal Control Officer Keith Neal found her.
Cisco, 34409879, is a 9-year-old male cat. All of these animals are available for adoption at the Flagler Humane Society.
Keko, 27652475, is a 4-year-old male bulldog mix.
Shiloh, 34093861, is a 2-year-old female domestic short haired cat.
Steve, 33638789, is a 3-year-old male terrier/Labrador mix.
Since Abby was brought into the Flagler Humane Society on Jan. 19, she has become something of a Facebook celebrity. Her story on the social media site resulted in donations that saved her life.
Flagler Animal Control Officer Keith Neal was responding to a call about a stray dog in Bunnell, when he found Abby. She was skin and bones, with her ribs prominently protruding beneath her white coat.
The 6-month-old terrier mix was very anemic, flea infested, and had intestinal parasites.
“It didn’t look like she had a whole lot of time left,” FHS Director Amy Carotenuto said.
Shelter veterinarian Dr. Andrea James did the initial triage on the dog, but it was obvious Abby needed more in depth medical care than the shelter could offer. The staff took her to Tomoka Pines Veterinary Hospital in Ormond Beach to be x-rayed.
The images revealed a variety of foreign objects in Abby’s stomach and intestines, including chicken bones. A corn cob was lodged in her intestines like a cork.
If her life was to be saved surgery needed to be done immediately. Dr. Kelly Long and his staff at Tomoka Pines Veterinary Hospital, worked on the dog’s intestines, and even spayed her. The shelter began a fundraising on Facebook and received $750 in donations to help pay for the surgery for the dog no one knew. The animal hospital discounted Abby’s surgery to the same amount.
“We do want to educate people. You don’t have to feed your dog expensive dog food, but it should be dog food,” Carotenuto said.
Abby is being pampered by the shelter staff, and it is not unusual to find her in Carotenuto’s office at the shelter.
“It didn’t look like she had a whole lot of time left.” AMY CAROTENUTO, Flagler Humane Society director
Carotenuto describes her as sweet and personable, but did express concern that the dog, understandably, may have food aggression.
“I put my hand in the bowl when I am feeding her to get her used to people touching her food, but I am not sure how she will react with other dogs,” Carotenuto said.
Abby is ready to be adopted. Her only outstanding medical issue is an ulcer on one of her eyes, which is being treated with medication.
The before and after pictures, taken in a span of just over a week, show what proper diet, good medical care and lots of love really can accomplish.
