Animal shelters do incredible work giving pets a second chance. Some animals arrive at shelters in shocking condition, but they still step up to give them the love and care they need.
That was the case for a dog named Libby, who had a tumor the size of a volleyball. But now, her story has a happy ending.
In August, the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, in Washington state, took in a stray pit bull named Libby. They said the dog was “full of life” and had a “sweet face and kind eyes.”
However, Libby also had a serious medical concern: a 10-pound tumor the size of a volleyball, one of the largest masses they had ever seen:
Libby arrived at a hectic time for the shelter: HSTPC says Libby was just one of three urgent cases they responded to in 48 hours, and as Washington’s largest-intake shelter dozens of new animals were arriving every day.
Despite that, they resolved to give Libby the best possible care, even though they weren’t sure what the future had in store for the poor dog.
“She deserves the most compassionate care possible, but we don’t know what her outcome will be at this time,” the shelter wrote in August. “Our veterinary team is working on every possible option and will start with testing to understand what kind of tumor Libby has. For now, she is receiving pain medication to ease her discomfort and endless love from our staff.”
After giving Libby an x-ray, they discovered the tumor was in the bone of her upper right leg, and would require amputation. Reactive inflammation caused the tumor to swell to its unusual size, and was causing her agonizing pain.
Through generous donations from supporters, the shelter was able to pay for Libby’s leg amputation. The surgery, done by the vet staff at BluePearl Pet Hospital, was a success and Libby was finally free of the pain she had been living through.
Sadly, even though her tumor was gone, she was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer, and her time on earth might be limited. But in happy news, Libby has found a home!
According to HSTPC, a vet tech fell in love with Libby and agreed to adopt her. Even though she knows that Libby might not live long, she wanted to fill her remaining days with love.
“There’s something in her eyes that begs for love and safety,” her new adopter said, according to a Facebook post. “I couldn’t turn away from that.”
Libby has now been renamed “Wiggles” and is enjoying her new home, playing with her dog brother and family and taking lots of cozy naps on the couch.
“Though we’re uncertain how much time she has left, we know she’ll spend her remaining days
The 16 adorable dogs, cats and rabbits up for adoption at RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield
The charity homes the animals, some of which arrived as they could no longer be cared for by their previous owner, at a centre in East Ardsley. Regardless of how they end up there, the animals are cared for until a new home can be found. The RSPCA also offers advice to people who already own pets but may be struggling to cope with the cost of food or healthcare.
Here are all the cats, dogs and rabbits currently being cared for at the centre that have not yet been matched up with the right owners. More information can be found on the RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield website.
One-year-old River is looking for a new home which is cat free, as he is a bit too boisterous around them. He enjoys the company of people and would love his new family to be around a lot of the time. (Photo: RSPCA)Seven-year-olds Bob and Dooba were found after they had sadly been abandoned. They would make the perfect duo for any family. (Photo: RSPCA)
Bob is missing an eye, but the RSPCA team think he was born without it so he has adapted well. He is very affectionate and likes to be in the company of others – he’ll happily sit on your lap. (Photo: RSPCA)Dooba has the greenest of eyes and loves a love a good lap to lay on. He really enjoys being stroked and will even jump on your back! (Photo: RSPCA)These beautiful huskies went through a lot of neglect before coming to the centre, and waited months before they were rehomed – sadly, it was not their forever home and they are back again. (Photo: RSPCA)Tala is eight years old and very laidback – she love a good belly rub and pottering round the garden (Photo: RSPCA)Goose is permanently on the move but so affectionate and loving towards his favourite people. He enjoys a good brush and cuddle. (Photo: RSPCA)Two-year-old Rodger has a huge character and love for attention and being around people. He’s quite confident once settled and will happily come up and say hello – he enjoys a stroke and fuss too. (Photo: RSPCA)Four-year-old Taz is a GSD x Akita who came to the centre last year after a family could no longer adopt her. She went through lots of training and was adopted again but this did not work out for her. Now, she is ready to find her forever family. (Photo: RSPCA)MoreThree-month-old kittens Kenickie and Sandy arrived at the RSPCA along with three of their siblings, who have now been reserved. They are hoping to be adopted as a pair and are still very young, so their new forever family will need to be around a lot to keep them entertained. (Photo: RSPCA)MoreSandy is super soppy and loves a lap nap (Photo: RSPCA)Kenickie is always on the go and looking for the next toy to play with (Photo: RSPCA)This one-year-old rabbit is a handsome, chunky and curious lad. He loves to people watch and enjoys being around and sniffing people, although can get wary when being stroked. (Photo: RSPCA)This is mother and daughter duo Audrey and Fran. The cheeky Chihuahuas, aged nine and five, do everything together – eating, napping and playing. (Photo: RSPCA)Mum Audrey is shyer than Fran and can take longer to trust new people, but once she’s comfortable, she loves a cuddle. (Photo: RSPCA)Fran always checks out new visitors, giving them the sniff of approval. The pair would suit a family experienced with Chihuahuas, and a calm, quiet and patient home with older children would be ideal. (Photo: RSPCA)Bluebell and Buttercup are a closely-bonded pair of sisters who do almost everything together. They’re about three months old and are big foodies, they love their greens – and they’re very curious and playful. (Photo: RSPCA)Zeus, a Staffie X, is a three-year-old bundle of energy and is looking for a family willing to offer unconditional love and keep up with his training. He can be unsure of other dogs so would suit a family that could help him feel comfortable when out on walks. Despite getting over excited at times, he loves a cuddle. (Photo: RSPCA)MoreLuca is a happy-go-lucky bun who really enjoys a quiet and relaxing life. The one-year-old is super sweet and enjoy the company of people, he likes to be stroked whilst sat next to his favourite people.
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