Watch a starved and neglected Tri-Cities pup getting stronger. ‘A survivor, for sure’
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- Shelter staff rescued Canella, treated starvation and monitored re-feeding risk.
- Veterinarians addressed infections, planned further care; adoption pending clearance.
- Shelter publicized needs, estimated vet bills $2.5K–$3.5K and solicited donations.
Canella the abandoned emaciated dog that captured the emotions of the staff at the Benton County Canine Shelter is slowly gaining weight and ground toward recovery.
“When Canella first came in she was scared, skittish and fearful,” said animal control officer Allison DeHague.
“All it took was one hot dog, and we became best friends,” she added.
The first photos posted to Facebook on Oct. 10 showed every rib and vertebrae that formed a crest of knobs along her back.
She arrived weighing just half of the normal 60-70 pounds for a pit bull mix of her body type and build.
Shelter staff started to feed her small portions of wet dog food formulated for sensitive canine stomachs to prevent “re-feeding syndrome,” a potentially fatal condition in dogs that have been starved but then have access to too much food.
She’s graduated to a special dry kibble and now weighs a little over 50 pounds.
She was found south of Kennewick near Highway 397 and Bofer Canyon Road, which as shelter staff pointed out, is “a permanently closed road where no one should be left alone.”
They credit a good Samaritan with caring enough to find help for her.
Since then, she’s been taken to a veterinarian for medical care and is being treated for ear infections and a severe yeast infection in her paws.
“We’re still working on getting her weight up and have more veterinarian treatment planned before she’s medically cleared for adoption,” added shelter manager Joshua Castilleja.
Her bill is expected to range from $2,500 to $3,500.
Donations are being accepted at Vista Veterinary Hospital, at 5603 W Canal Dr. in Kennewick, to help cover ongoing treatment and care.
Described as eager, sweet and lovable, Canella is officially the first dog to occupy a room in the puppy quarantine section of the recently built expansion at the shelter at 116 N. Grant Place in Kennewick.
DeHauge says she’s a vocal pup and “definitely likes to tell her people she wants.”
Canella still faces a long journey until she’s healthy enough for adoption.
“She’s a survivor, for sure,” Castilleja said.
The shelter will be celebrating completion of recent expansion project sometime in mid-November. Details about the event are expected to be posted on Facebook when plans are finalized.
Anyone who recognizes Canella is encouraged to call the shelter at 509-460-4923.
- Reporter Annette Cary contributed to this story.
