Shelby came to M.A.I.N. in 2015 with one of the worst cases of mange we’ve seen. After many months of different medical treatments her skin cleared up and her fur grew back. Shelby moved to a new foster during 2015 because of a move her original foster had to make. At that time, Shelby went to a first-time M.A.I.N. foster and what a first foster she was.
From Shelby’s foster mom: When Shelby came to us as a foster, she pretty much took over 😉 She was the only female in our pack of five dogs and she took her Queen B role seriously. She also claimed my husband as her own.
Shelby and I were quick to butt heads. I’m strong willed but this girl made me seem like a sissy. Within three days of her arrival, Shelby and I began a love-hate relationship (insert eyeroll here). She expected all of us to relinquish all things to her. If I dropped food, the boys had best let her get it. If she wanted to lie down, she would literally push them off the bed she wanted. If she couldn’t push them, she would sit on them until they “chose” to move. She would make a random noise that sounded like a yell-bark-growl, at anyone. I’m not talking a cutesy noise, I’m talking, scare the shit out of me, make me jump, and make ME let out a yell-bark-growl noise.
Seriously though, Shelby changed our world. She was a bit crazy but so are we, so she fit right in. A few months ago, she started to bloat, quickly. Within two days her belly looked like she’d swallowed a watermelon. On the second day, she was barely eating and slow to finish and previously she had a puzzle bowl because she inhaled her food. So, we knew something was wrong. We got her into the vet the next day and after some diagnostic testing, they found that her abdomen and chest were filled with tumors. In fact, they couldn’t see all her organs because she was so full of cancer. At that point, the cancer was too far gone to do any type of treatment. Since this had happened so quickly, we couldn’t treat her, and she was obviously not feeling well, we guided Shelby across the bright and beautiful Rainbow Bridge.
Shelby and I may have made faces at each other, she stole my seat when I got up, she looked away when I called her, and we both had some inappropriate names for one another, but we had a bond. And as much as I joke about her, she’s truly missed.
Shelby’s collar has been added to our memorial tree in our front yard.
Meet Shelby
When we first saw this little girl, her poor red rimmed eyes haunted us. There was so much sadness there, we knew we had to try to help her.
Shelby is missing patches of fur, the worst part on her face and around her eyes. She also has some missing fur and red skin on her legs. Shelby tested positive for Demodex Mange at the shelter and needed a rescue outlet in order to make it out of the shelter alive.
One of M.A.I.N’s amazing fosters stepped up for this little girl and she is now safe in a foster home and has been seen by our partner vet. Shelby has been started on four different prescriptions for her mange, as well as for the skin infections caused by all the scratching.
We can’t wait to see Shelby’s “after” pictures once she is all healed! We will keep everyone updated on her progress.
In the meantime, if you can donate to Shelby’s medical care chip in fund, we would greatly appreciate it! Thank You!
Shelby’s Updates:
Shelby has officially been adopted by her foster family! Congrats to all!
Shelby’s Adoptapet Bio: “Hey, hey, hey, I’m Shelby. I’m a young’in , but not a pup. I was rescued by those wonderful peeps at M.A.I.N. and had an awful, itchy skin disease. Lucky for me, those folks helped clear that up FAST! No more scratching and I’m just a happy-go-lucky pup these days. And guess what — I get lots of baths. Love my baths. So here’s the deal…I’m learning my manners (apparently, I had very few when I arrived). And I’m getting there. Learning potty training, the doggy door and I get to hang out with my dog and cat friends all day. Did I tell you I have dog buddies? They are small like me, but they pack a lot of punch. We love, love, love to play. Even the cats dig me. Who’d a thunk it? I’m also good with humans, especially if they are nice to me. I love to curl up in their laps. I hardly weigh anything so it’s not a burden. It’s been really great to live here with all the other pets. I’ve learned about love and caring and playing and behaving. My hair is even growing back!!! I would love a family of my own to prove myself to. I’m hoping that could be you. See you soon. Shelby! I am spayed, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped and come with my County license. My adoption fee is $150.”
