Emaciated and scared. This Tri-Cities pup was abandoned but no longer forgotten
Staff became teary eyed at the Benton County Canine Shelter when they saw the latest stray to arrive at their Kennewick facility.
Every rib showed and vertebrae formed a crest of knobs along the back of the severely emaciated and scared pit bull mix.
Within hours of photos of photos of the “pitty” being posted to Facebook, hundreds of people had left messages or reacted with symbols of care and sadness.
“Meet Canella — left behind but not forgotten,” the post began.
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.”
“After living a life relying on people, Canella was abandoned and forced to fend for herself among coyotes and mountain lions,” staff posted to social media.
They credited a good Samaritan with caring enough to find help for the pup.
Late Friday afternoon, Canella was exhausted and mostly sleeping, curled up in a dog bed at the shelter with her head tucked under a paw.
The shelter staff is starting to feed her small portions of dog food formulated for sensitive canine stomachs to prevent “re-feeding syndrome,” a potentially fatal syndrome in dogs that have been starved but then have access to too much food.
“Canella has a long road ahead — both physically and emotionally,” said the Facebook post. “We’re working to restore her health, build her confidence and remind her that people can be kind again.”
A vet appointment is scheduled for Monday and then shelter staff will know more about her condition and how best to help her.
“Please send your well wishes and good thoughts for this sweet girl as she begins to heal and learn that she’s finally safe,” staff posted.
People commenting on the Facebook post marvelled that the dog, who appeared to be just skin and bones, was still alive, and they praised her rescuer.
“Poor baby. Praying that she makes a full recovery, and that she is adopted by a loving person who will care for her properly,” said one of many comments.
Anyone who recognizes Canella is encouraged to call the shelter at 509-460-4923.