Timid Dog Abandoned in Filthy Basement Stuns Rescuers With Her Hopeful Blue Eyes

Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

When Cassie was found and rescued from a seeming animal cruelty situation in Kingman County, Kansas, her fur was threadbare and her skin was covered in raw, painful scabs.

However, Cassie’s rescuers, while saddened by her timid demeanor, were stunned by the bright glimmer of hope in her sky-blue eyes.

Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

Jessica Johnson, animal rescue senior director for the Humane Society, attended the Sept. 4, 2019, rescue mission and met Cassie the day she was taken in.

“She was found in a room by herself inside the house,” Jessica told The Epoch Times. “Most of her fur was missing and her skin was thickened, inflamed, and hot to the touch with scabs and open wounds.”

“She had fleas crawling all over her body that you could easily see due to all of the missing fur,” Jessica recalled.

Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

The director remembered Cassie being shy but gentle from the very beginning. “She approached us rather slowly,” Jessica recalled, “and quietly walked toward us with her head down.”

The Humane Society rescue team assessed Cassie’s condition on-site before lifting her from the dark, filthy basement that had been her home and transporting her to a local shelter for treatment.

Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

Cassie received medical baths to treat her fleas and painful skin condition; before long, her gorgeous thick fur began to grow back in. Cassie’s rescuers were able to see that the once-bedraggled pup was in fact a healthy white, black, and tan Australian Shepherd.

“She’s just a big teddy bear,” Cassie’s foster mom told the Humane Society. “She’s soft. Wherever you’re at, she wants to be with you.”

Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

After treatment, rest, nutritious food, and ample time for her threadbare coat to grow back in, Cassie’s hopeful blue eyes shone brighter than ever before. By May 2020, Cassie was barely recognizable.

“After a little bit of love and care, she has fortunately made a dramatic recovery,” the Humane Society shared on YouTube.

Their footage depicts a healthy Cassie playing fetch in her fosterer’s backyard, head held high, ears perked up, and no trace of her formerly timid nature in sight.

Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

The medium-sized Australian Shepherd is the cowboy’s herding dog of choice. The breed is known for its “keen, penetrating gaze,” says the American Kennel Club, its remarkable intelligence, and its suitability for training as a partner for work or sport.

Cassie’s transformation was so undeniable that it was soon time for her fosterer to bid her farewell. The sweet dog found her forever home with a young, active family, and photos show her settling in perfectly, living the life she had long deserved.

Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

Moved by Cassie’s resolve to recover, Jessica told The Epoch Times, “I’m always amazed at the resilient and forgiving nature of animals. After suffering so much at the hands of another human, they are still somehow filled with so much trust and love.”

After receiving updates from Cassie’s adoptive family, Jessica confirmed a happy ending for the bright-eyed pup, whose stoic spirit saw her through.

Courtesy of Cassie's family via The Humane Society of the United States

“It looks like she’s living a good life, full of love,” Jessica said.

Watch Cassie’s journey in the video below:

(Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States)

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