When rescuers at North Shore Animal League America saw Zara in a cage, covered in a plastic bag, her odor was so pungent and her fur so matted, they thought she was dead.
“When the police pulled up with the dog in a crate in the back of the pickup truck, I was the first one to see her. Without question, I can say that she was in the worst condition that I’ve ever seen an animal in before,” shelter director, Christina Travalja said. “It was truly heartbreaking.”
It appeared the owner had never let her out of the cage, and if it weren't for an anonymous tip to the police, Zara may never have survived.
There is always hope in what looks hopeless; when Adam, a rescue black Lab who is allergic to humans was found, no one expected that he would have a forever home but he did.
Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that Zara's owner was sentenced to six months in jail and is not allowed to own an animal for 5 years.
“This was one of the worst cases of neglect we’ve ever seen on a single animal,” Singas said in a statement. “Zara was treated so poorly that she almost certainly would have died if it weren’t for a tip going to police and the quick, miraculous work done by Animal League America.”
Due to her coat growing so tangled and cutting off circulation to her legs, she was badly injured and had a severely infected paw. One of her digits had to be amputated.
After months of recovery and care, we are happy to report that Zara has had a remarkable transformation and has found a forever home!
Underneath the pain and abuse, Zara is now the happy healthy schnauzer she was always meant to be.
See the transformation below and SHARE if you're glad Zara has a happy ending!
When authorities found Zara she was barely recognizable as a living animal.
But with the care of compassionate professionals what was known as the "worst case of neglect" they had ever seen became the most beautiful transformation.
Vets carefully removed 9 pounds of fur from Zara.
After months of recovery and even a digit amputation, Zara is doing well.
When North Shore Animal League released her recovery footage, one kind woman named Margaret welcomed Zara permanently into her home. Look at the smile!
See her transformation below.
SHARE and congratulate Zara and Margaret on their new friendship!
