In spite of her ‘fun-size,’ she can stand her ground depending on it!
A very severe case of Demodectic mange was discovered on a starving, nearly naked homeless dog on June 22 by Onslow County Animal Services (OCAS) in Jackson, North Carolina.
Adoption First Animal Rescue has experience preventing the execution of dogs on death row.
They removed the helpless young man from the institution and placed her with Heather Corradino-Llantada, one of their expertly chosen non-permanent moms.
Heather realized something more severe than skin parasites was wrong the moment she picked up the dog and held it in her arms. The little guy was in terrible shape due to a fever.
Her fever was over 105 degrees when Heather rushed her to the veterinarian. Because of her size, workers at OCAS had estimated her age to be 12 weeks; however, the veterinarian determined that she was really 1 and a half years old.
Her growth had been hampered by her life as a lost stray. She soon tested positive for pallor and a potentially serious case of canine distemper.
To help energize her during the challenging days ahead, Heather gave the dog the name Amaani, which connotes trust, longing, and desire.
There were a couple of instances where, medically speaking, she should have passed away, but instead, Heather said, she had a fighting spirit and a desire for greater things.
“Amaani declared with her eyes that she would fight. No matter how much one had to give up their own priorities, I was willing to match that will.”
Even though it was difficult and horrible to see Amaani fight, Heather was more than prepared to assist her.
She received specialized training throughout her military career, which has proven to be essential to her role as a supportive parent.
She makes the decision to accept the most challenging cases—the frenzied outliers who require both superficial and fundamental healing from their many ailments.
She explains, “They are the ones that are first to stir things up around town in any asylum, making them the ones that I to take.
“‘Charming and fluffies’ have a far more notable chance of being received favorably or being saved. I don’t need the basic things. I require challenges that the majority won’t accept.
There are several old “challenges” at Heather’s home, including four Pit Bulls who have had Demodex like Amaani.
She has a total of nine dogs and two cats, together with a near stream of unusual needs cultivates, making up her 11 extremely durable salvaging pets.
Amaani turned out to be a very difficult case, but with constant attention, she began to show signs of improvement.
Despite always being a “miniature Pittie,” her mottle and white coat started to fill in, and she dramatically put on weight.
When she first arrived, she was extremely unlucky, disheartened, and shut down, but after some careful thought and comfort, she learned how to trust. Now, she likes to “spoon” in bed or snuggle up on the sofa!
She can be a spectacular diva and loves to be catered to, according to Heather. “Yet, and despite her “fun-size,” she can hold her own no matter what!
While she is there, there will never be a dull moment! Amaani has just recovered after a month and a half, and she has completely changed from the sad little boy she once was.
Without Heather’s dedicated childcare, she would not have been able to survive, much alone thrive.
