Rescuers rushed to the aid of an abused maggot-infested dog after she was kicked to the curb while in labor. Her owner even spat at the Labrador-pit bull mix when a welfare team arrived on the scene, claiming that the helpless dog “ain’t worth it.”
“Six dogs abandoned,” they began. “One dog was laying in the driveway, pregnant, in labor, in distress, with one baby halfway out and mom was unresponsive!”
The 1-year-old pregnant dog, named Annie, was found with open wounds full of maggots as a result of suspected attacks from other dogs. “She has been rushed to the emergency vet where it was discovered she is extremely dehydrated,” the rescuers continued, “too dehydrated to deliver, and very malnourished.”
Annie was rushed to Woodward Animal Hospital in Aurora, Oklahoma, and put on an IV for vital fluids. However, vets voiced concern for the weak dog’s kidneys and for the health of her premature puppies.
The hospital’s veterinarian, Dr. Didier, concluded that the ailing dog was too dehydrated to deliver her puppies. Annie was sedated, and staff performed an emergency cesarean section.
Annie had a long road ahead of her, however. On May 4, the grieving mother dog finally had surgery to clean her wounds and remove the maggot infestation, which necessitated daily vet visits for aftercare.
The long-suffering Lab-pit bull mix suffered a hemorrhage, infections, and anemia after surgery and was moved to Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Colorado for critical care. She also needed multiple blood transfusions.
“She went far too long with festering dog attack wounds,” her team reflected. “But her beautiful little self is fighting,” they added, “and she still has a waggy tail for those who show her love.”
On May 19, Annie’s previous owner was identified as Maranda Dawne Weber, and was arrested on felony charges of animal cruelty. Mosbarger and her team also started the #JusticeForAnnie campaign hashtag to raise awareness of their little dog’s heartbreaking ordeal.
At the time of writing, Annie’s recovery continues in the comfort of a carer’s home. Mosbarger praised Annie’s sheer will to survive against the odds and the tireless efforts of her care team.
“To lose her would be devastating,” she continued. “Everybody would miss her greatly. But we would be comforted by the fact that this dog saw love.”