Скачать или смотреть Izzy: From Ragged to Richly Loved

In July 2013, Animal Alliance of New Jersey www.animalalliancenj.org received a call to help a severely matted and injured dog found on the streets of Philadelphia. "Izzy" arrived to Animal Alliance in horrible condition, unable to walk properly, badly malnourished, and totally defeated from the indignities and hardships of life on the streets. The life of a stray dog is miserable -- they are subjected to the harsh elements of weather, lack of food and water, dangers of injury from cars, cruel humans, and other animals. Izzy faced all that plus the perpetual discomfort of being ungroomed with twisted hair pulling constantly at her skin, being hungry, weak from malnourishment, and pain from deep wounds along her body. Against all odds, Izzy survived life on the streets, and made it to Animal Alliance where her healing began.

First, Izzy was surgically shaved to the skin, which revealed a massive skin infection and numerous open, oozing sores. Izzy was skin and bones, and weighed only 6 pounds, half of her ideal body weight. She was given IV fluids and antibiotics, treated for a massive flea infestation and internal parasites, and started on a gentle re-feeding protocol to deliver as many calories as possible without upsetting her shrunken stomach. After a week, she could stand on her own for more than a few seconds, and we knew she was going to pull through. But the real work had just begun -- getting Izzy to trust humans again.

Day after day, Izzy would look downcast and depressed. Her hair was growing in slowly, her wounds were healing, and she was gaining a few ounces of weight every day. But, she seemed so dejected, as if she'd given up on human love altogether. We worked hard to gain her affection, and in a month or so, she was starting to lick the hands of the people that fed and walked her.

Izzy's soon to be adoptive family of 3 -- (mom and dad and 5 year old Chloe) were looking for a special dog to join their family after their beloved elderly dog passed away. Chloe's grandmother is a volunteer at Animal Alliance and made the introduction. They hit it right off. Izzy's tail never stopped wagging when she met Chloe!

We wondered if she previously knew the love of a child before she was a stray or if she found reassurance and comfort in Chloe's gentle kindness. "Don't worry Izzy, you have a big sister now," said Chloe as she put her arm around her when Izzy was whimpering on the way home. "We are twins," says Chloe to people about her dog, and her parents concur -- Izzy and Chloe have similar energy levels (high) and are truly best friends.

The rest, as they say, is history. Izzy sleeps next to Chloe at night and knows the safety and sweetness of a child's unconditional love. Her first holiday season is starting now, and there are 4 stockings hung at the fireplace:

Jamie -- Craig -- Chloe -- Izzy