A tiny dog in Riverside County, California was found alive but severely neglected after her owner thought she was dead. The dog, an 8-year-old Lhasa Apso named Bella, was found hiding under a bush against her owner’s house. She was covered in mats and infested with maggots, and it was clear that she had not been groomed in over a year.
Bella’s owner told Animal Control Officers that she had been “acting funny” and not eating, but he had not taken her to the vet. When asked when the dog had last been groomed, the owner said “about a year.”
Bella was taken to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, where she was given a bath, groomed, and treated for her injuries. She is now recovering in a foster home, and she is expected to make a full recovery.
This case is a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership. Dogs need to be groomed regularly, and they need to see the vet for check-ups and vaccinations. If you are not able to provide the care that your dog needs, please consider surrendering them to a shelter or rescue organization.
