Sparkle was turned into a local Humane Society in terrible condition.  She has a yeast infection over 50 percent of her body, and has raging infections in both ears.  This has gone untreated for a long time, and we can only imagine the pain and discomfort she has had to endure. 

How could anyone allow their pet's health get to this point?

Sparkle's owner turned her into the shelter stating that "no one in the family has time for the dog", and proceeded to explain that she has sometimes gone several days without food because no one remembered to feed her!  She has obviously had puppies recently, and what little nutrition she did receive went right into nursing the pups.  Sparkle has been starved, both physically and emotionally.

When our volunteer first saw her at the shelter, Sparkle was curled up in a ball at the back of her kennel.  After some coaxing, she cautiously came up to the gate, with her tail between her legs and her head hung down in despair.  She has obviously been hit in the past, because if you make a quick movement with your hand, she cringes in fear.  We knew that we had to make things right for this sweet girl!  

Looking worried, but still very trusting...

Sparkle is now in a foster home, where she is learning to be loved again!  Despite an abusive past life, she is already blossoming after only a few days in her foster home.  She no longer keeps her tail tucked between her legs, she is beginning to walk with her head held high, and she wags her tail at you when you walk by!  Her ear infections are now almost completely cleared up, and the vet says there is no permanent damage.  While the vet is still not sure if all of her fur will grow back completely, we are giving her nutritious (and regular!) meals, bathing her with medicated shampoo, and treating the yeast infection in the hopes that we can get her looking and feeling good about herself again.

The beginnings of a smile...

Happy to have some love and affection...

Sparkle is a sweet 3-4 year old black and silver female.  She is housebroken, and has some obedience training.  She walks nicely on leash, and would be a great walking or jogging partner.  She is good with children, and is very gentle with toddlers.  She has a very soft mouth, and she daintily takes treats from your hand.  Sparkle is grateful for every ounce of attention that she receives, and she likes to give gentle kisses.  She gets along great with other dogs, and is not interested in cats.  She is playful, loves to play ball, and rides well in the car.  She is a petite girl, and will fill out to be around 60-65 pounds.

Very gentle with children...

Sparkle is in a foster home, and will be ready to start looking for her forever home very soon.  Her skin condition is not contagious, but may require regular baths to help get it under control.  It is also important that she be on a good, healthy diet and to get vitamins and supplements in her food to help her regain her physical condition.

If you have ever wanted to save the life of a deserving animal, please consider adopting Sparkle into your family.  She is one of the sweetest and most loving dogs you will ever meet.  We are also looking for donations to help with her medical care.  If you can't adopt her but still want to help, please click here to learn more about making a donation to help get Sparkle "back on her feet".