Lucy, a pint-sized terrier mix, and Splash, a yellow Lab-mix, were among 40 dogs removed by the ASPCA from a property near San Angelo, Texas, late last year and are now living their best lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lucy and Splash had been living in substandard conditions with inadequate access to food on the property of an overcrowded mobile home. Their former guardian voluntarily surrendered them to the ASPCA, and we  transported the dogs to be cared for by the Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) staff at the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Asheville, North Carolina. Once assessed and cared for, they were transferred to partner shelters to find homes to call their own.  

On December 3, Lucy and Splash arrived at the Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC). By Christmas, each were in safe and loving new homes.
 

A Host of Health Problems

Due to the lack of care, some of the animals from the property suffered from medical issues, including Lucy and Splash.

“Lucy’s dental disease was some of the worst I’ve seen,” says Dr. Laurie Millward, Senior Director of Veterinary Services at the CRC. “Infection continually dripped from her mouth and she had a hard time eating even wet food. We also surmised she had recently lost weight because of her eating difficulties.”

Lucy also suffered from fleas which likely led to skin infections on her back and tail. Severe ear infections caused balance issues, making walking a challenge. Her toenails on her right hind foot were so long they had curled and grown into her paw pads.

To ease her suffering, ASPCA vets put Lucy on antibiotics and pain medication. Staff provided medicated baths to help soothe her irritated skin and trimmed her painful toenails. She underwent a dental procedure with 11 teeth extractions at Appalachian Animal Hospital. 

Splash was the only dog in the BRC population who was symptomatic and tested positive for Parvo. Parvo is a highly contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal illness and without treatment, can be lethal. Luckily, Splash had a mild case and was given 24-hour care and monitoring. She was provided with an IV briefly and stayed on oral medication for several days until the virus was gone.

Additionally, like Lucy, Splash was infested with fleas. On top of it all, she also suffered from an eye abnormality called entropion.

“The upper and lower eyelids of both her eyes rolled inward causing irritation to her corneas,” says Dr. Millward, adding that Splash had surgery to correct this condition.

A Second Chance for Lucy

Travaris H. had been searching online for a new dog when he came across Lucy on the HSC website. He visited the HSC on December 11 and adopted Lucy that day.

“She approached me and let me pet her,” says Travaris. “And the folks at HSC were nice and welcoming—they knew what I was looking for.”

Travaris presented his six-year-old son, Travaris Jr., and nine-year-old daughter, La’travia, with Lucy a week before Christmas—an early surprise.

“She’s been such a blessing to me and my kids,” he says. “We just love her.”

Travaris, a customer service professional who has been working from home during the pandemic, welcomes the daily presence of Lucy, his first-ever dog.

“She’s with me all day, every day,” he says. “Lucy is my other child now—instead of having two kids, I have three. I spoil her like I spoil my kids.”
 

A Home for Splash

Splash, a Lab mix now named Lana, was adopted on December 19 by Ashley N. and her boyfriend, Tyler, both of Charlotte, who found her profile on HSC’s website.

“There was no photo of her, but the description fit all of our criteria,” Ashley says of the 10-month-old, 60 lb. pooch. “When we met her, we fell in love.”

Ashley, an account manager for a digital marketing firm, and Tyler, a financial advisor, both worked from home last year due to the pandemic.  Ashley now works permanently from home and will enjoy Lana’s constant company.

Lana, who had eye surgery before her adoption, has adjusted well to her new home. Her favorite toy is her Kong, and she loves long walks and chasing the leaves in the wind.

“We feel very fortunate to have found such a sweet girl to add to our family,” Ashley says. “We adore her.”

Thanks to an array of people including ASPCA volunteers, veterinarians, HSC staff, some amazing adopters and supporters like you Lucy and Lana now have their second chances at happy, healthy lives!

Without our Guardians and supporters, none of the critical work we do would be possible. Thank you for always keeping animals like Lucy and Lana top-of-mind.