In late September 2023, Llama, a 9-year-old French Bulldog was brought to the Animal Care Center (ACC) of Manhattan in really rough shape.

“Llama collapsed walking the short distance to the ACC medical area and had to be rushed to the medical team for immediate attention,” Alicia Riegel, ASPCA Animal Recovery Center (ARC) Administrator, told us. “She had a body condition score of one out of nine, with one being the thinnest, and a smelly and painful ear infection. Her left cornea had ruptured, and the contents had started protruding and eventually formed a scab. She had severe dental disease with pale gums. Her test results showed she had anemia and severe muscle wasting.”

Llama also had trouble breathing, a common issue for brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boxers and Pugs.

Llama’s case was flagged for the NYPD, and she was transferred into our care for continued treatment.

When Llama arrived at ARC, she received a full medical work up. Our veterinarians performed an immediate enucleation, or eye removal, and started her on a refeeding schedule to slowly help her regain the weight she had lost.

Over the next few weeks, Llama received the medical, behavioral and daily care she needed to heal including kennel socialization, enrichment and lap time.

At her next evaluation, it was clear that Llama was improving.

“Llama progressed to regular feedings, her blood work started to improve and she was coming out of her shell,” said Alicia.

During this time, Llama had also become a staff favorite at ARC and, inspired by her recovery, was highlighted during the staff Halloween Pumpkin Painting Contest!

By November, Llama had shown such significant progress that our behavior and medical team decided it was time to see how she would do in a home environment.

Monica R., a Shelter Support Volunteer, signed up to be an ASPCA foster caregiver in November 2023 as a way to help more animals. She was hoping to foster a small, dog-friendly adult or senior dog when she came across Llama on the ARC foster list.

“I thought she was adorable and just wanted to bring her home,” said Monica who immediately showed her mom a photo.

Our staff at ARC set up a meet-and-greet with Llama and Monica – and her two dogs Winter, a 5-year-old rescue Pomeranian/Chihuahua-mix and Summer, a 3-year-old rescue hound/pit bull/lab-mix. The introductions went so well that Llama went home with Monica that day.

Though Monica had some initial apprehensions around fostering a senior dog with medical conditions, her fears were quieted soon after Llama came home.

“Because Llama was a senior with medical needs and also a Frenchie, I was expecting a bit of a couch potato,” explained Monica. “However, I was pleasantly surprised. She loved playing with Summer. Llama even got Stella, my mom’s 9-year-old mini-Dachshund, to start playing again.”

Monica was also nervous because Llama was her first “smush-face” dog, but with our staff’s support, she felt more at ease.

“The ASPCA was very supportive,” said Monica. “I remember emailing a video when Llama was making a funny sound, and they responded within the hour to tell me it was reverse sneezing and sent me some information on it. The team is also really good about working with fosters to schedule medical appointments and supply pick ups in advance.”

After a few weeks together, Monica brought Llama back to ARC where she was scheduled to be spayed, have an airway surgery and a dental – all of which went very well. It was then that Monica expressed interest in adopting Llama.

“My mom and I knew right away that she would have a forever home with one of us,” Monica told us. “She just immediately fit in. She got comfortable with my other dogs, she was really receptive to pets and cuddles within a day or two and she started sleeping in bed with us within a few days.”

Monica added, “Also, when I picked her up from her medical procedure at the ASPCA, she immediately recognized me and was so happy to see me. It was like she knew she found her family.”

On January 7, 2024, Monica’s mom, Loida, adopted Llama. Shortly after, Monica moved in with her mother.

“So now Llama lives with me, my mom, my sister and five other dogs, Summer, Winter, Stella, Daisy and Noodle,” explained Monica. “She enjoys playing with her sisters, running around the backyard, taking walks in the neighborhood and cuddling with my mom at night.”

Though Llama’s transition into her home was nearly seamless, Monica and Loida have found feeding time with six dogs to be fairly chaotic.

“We are feeding five of the dogs simultaneously,” said Monica. “So, we prepare the food while the dogs are outside doing their business. Then one of us opens the door while the other directs the dogs to their respective bowls. They are getting the hang of it. Llama eats on her own in the bathroom because she eats so fast and tried to steal food from the slower ones.”

Needless to say, Llama has found her place in the big family.

This year for National Animal Foster Appreciation Week, we’re asking our supporters to consider helping us change the lives of animals in need by temporarily opening their homes and becoming foster caregivers.

“If you have the time to help a new pet get acclimated to a home, it can be a really great experience,” Monica shared. “Just remember to be patient with them.”

Help us change more animal lives by signing up to become an ASPCA foster caregiver in New York City, Los Angeles, Asheville, North Carolina or Columbus, Ohio. If you live outside of these areas, you can still help by signing up to foster for your local shelter or with our friends at Animal Care Centers of NYC.