Earlier this year, Edith was found as a stray in Fitchburg in very bad shape. When she arrived at Dane County Humane Society (DCHS), we knew this senior Shih Tzu was in need of immediate help. Because of your generosity, DCHS can help ill, injured and abandoned animals like Edith get the second chance they deserve.
Edith was emaciated, hypothermic, severely matted and blind, with both eyes covered in cuts and debris. Further examination from DCHS’s veterinary team revealed a pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus. Dr. Uri Donnett, Maddie’s Clinical Instructor of Shelter Medicine at DCHS, rushed Edith into emergency surgery to remove her infected uterus. In order to closely monitor this very sick girl, Dr. Donnett brought her to his home to recover overnight.
It was a long road to recovery for Edith, including two more procedures to remove her painful eyes and a much-needed dental. Throughout her long stay at DCHS, Edith’s spirit remained strong thanks to the dedicated veterinary team, staff and volunteers who gave her love and encouragement. Edith eventually made her way to the home of one of DCHS’s most committed foster parents, Sheila Hart, where she could rest and recover.
Every year your generosity provides over 550 animals time to heal and grow in loving foster homes. Since 2015 Sheila has provided foster care for over 20 animals, many with special needs like Edith. A foster home gave Edith extra time to gain strength and adjust to being blind in new environments.
After nearly 60 days at DCHS and her foster home, Edith was ready to be adopted. She soon found her way to the home of Kathleen Siverling. After losing her 13-year-old Collie mix to cancer, Kathleen knew that both she and her 14-year-old dog Keeva would need help to fill the hole left in their hearts. This wouldn’t take long as it was instant love for Kathleen and Edith, now named Sadie.
“I knew (Sadie) might be a challenge, but I also knew I needed to help this little beauty live the best life she could,” says Kathleen.
“You learn a lot about yourself when you rescue. Sadie has many challenges and yet she is happy and bouncy. It makes one realize that in life there are challenges, and how you approach those challenges defines your character.”
Months later Kathleen would once again be preparing herself and her family for a new challenge named Scoop. Shih Tzu Scoop came to DCHS after being left in a box outside an apartment building. He was terrified and emaciated with fur matted so tightly on his legs that it caused sores. The world was a frightening place for little Scoop. To help him gain confidence and learn to trust people, Scoop headed to the home of foster mom Sheila, always ready to help dogs most in need.
Sheila knew this little guy would require a special family, and she had just the right one in mind. Sheila and Kathleen had been staying in touch with updates on Edith, and Sheila urged them to meet Scoop. It didn’t take long for Kathleen, Edith and Keeva to all fall for Scoop and bring him home.
Scoop now goes by Scooter and has come out of his shell and is a bouncy ball of energy. “He stands up and dances on his hind legs when he wants anything, and he snuggles in my mom’s lap every night,” says Kathleen.
“Thanks to DCHS, my family and heart are once again complete,” says Kathleen.
Your generosity provides comfort and care to ill and abandoned animals just like Edith and Scoop. You heal their wounds and allow them to rest, recover and gain confidence in loving foster homes. Please continue your support and help animals overcome challenges and find loving families. Thank you!
