Meet MAIN’s newest rescue, sweet 2 year old Sophia. Sophia was found abandoned, staggering down a molten sidewalk in Phoenix’s infamous summer. Infested with more than 1,000 blood-sucking ticks, she has been denied (presumably since day one) any basic right to health or happiness – and as we gaze upon her emaciated and tick-ridden body, we can’t fathom who or what could allow this to continue day in and day out for however long she’s endured this level of neglect.
As of now, on 9-11, she can no longer stand. She can barely muster the energy needed to pick her head up from the floor. She is, by all rights, a shell of what any dog of her breed and her age should be. Yet, she keeps functioning and she keeps hoping that someone, somewhere will stop to help her.
As Don carries her to his car, her head hanging to the side in exhaustion, he reluctantly walks her past a room filled with dog owners that repeatedly ask “Is she dead?” “Not yet” was his reply over and over again. Not yet Sophia.. Just hold on, because we’re here for you now, and in the two minutes we’ve known you, 100 volunteers already love you and in the morning, 10,000 will feel the same way, as you will come to know the unstoppable and limitless love of the MAIN Family.
He spoke softly to her on the way to the hospital, and from the way that she stared at him, he believes she knew what he was saying. That his kindness that he showed her today would pale in comparison to what she would come to know when the world met her. When they watched her begin to heal. When they saw her run and play for the first time in a long time.. “This” he whispered, “is nothing, sweet girl..”
She is carried thought the door of the hospital, past other dogs waiting to be seen. Straight past all of them, because here – it’s the worst cases that are seen first. The others can wait.. Sophia has waited long enough – and now, she is literally out of time. Kind nurses and doctors usher her through the crowded waiting room and into the back, where tests begin immediately and gentle hands reassure her that she can finally –FINALLY – relax and let them help her.
It’s nothing that she’s ever had the privilege of knowing before, but she knows it all the same – these doctors, nurses, people, souls are all here just for her now. Nothing – NOTHING – is more important than Sophia… She breathes a sigh of relief and she collapses – having given everything that she could possibly give of herself. The rest, now, is up to everyone else – and she closes her eyes.
Tonight, the 100 volunteers that already know of Sophia all pray that we’ve found her in time. When you meet her through these photos and through her video, we know that you’ll join us – and in no time, 10,000 or more will pray for her peace and health. For Sophia, this is all new. The caring compassion and healing energy that fill her kennel and fill her neglected and riddled body is something she’s never known before tonight. For all of us at MAIN, well – we know all of you pretty well already. We expect the unexpected and we anticipate the miracles.
If you can contribute to Sophia’s medical bills, thank you SO much…
Sophia’s Updates:
We are so sorry to report that Sophia has crossed the Rainbow Bridge…run free and happy, beautiful girl.
Sept. 26th: It’s another very sad day for MAIN. We lost Sophia yesterday. It was very sudden and unexpected. Our hearts are broken once again. Our vets think it was possibly a spider bite, a scorpion bite or a small snake bite. All of a sudden her head swelled up on one side and she had a huge ulceration inside of her mouth. We sent some stat blood work off to the lab, tried to reduce the swelling, everything we could…. but she died in the meantime. A huge thank you to the Bethany Animal Hospital crew for working so hard to try and figure out what was wrong and to her foster mom Lisa for taking immediate action when she knew something was wrong. Run free Sophia. xoxo 
From Sophia’s foster mom, Sept. 14th: Sohia is doing ok but she still has no reserves. I had to carry her up the stairs to give her a bath. She makes it outside to pee/poop, but then she has to sleep for five hours to make up for all the effort. Only two of my dogs have met her “face to face” without the crate in between – she’s just so fragile, and she’s so weak, I don’t want the other dogs to overwhelm her with “play time.” She IS eating….every time she’s awake, she’s chowing down on something. So THAT’s working….it’s just going to take time. I have gotten a couple of tail thumps and a “lean in” to be petted. She doesn’t bark at ALL. I’m wondering if that’s permanent or if she’s just too tired to give it a shot. She certainly has patience. We spent over an hour in the bathtub, scrubbing off blood clots and dead ticks. She sure LOVES my husband!
MAIN, I donated, if there is anything else I can do, please let me know….Sophia will survive in your care, eternal gratitude comes your way…..Thank you!
have they gotten the ticks off yet, i know you will awaiting blood work or perhaps that has arrived very much looking to an update for this little angel
Angel is sending doggie hugs and prayers to you Sophia. She also wanted to send you a message: Dear Sophia: As much as your body hurts and you just want to close your eyes and go to sleep PLEASE DON'T… You have to stay strong and let these amazing people help you. In a couple of weeks you are going to feel better and realize that you have been given a
2nd Chance.. PS don't tell the other doggies but I decided to donate my treat allowance to you, I know… I love my treats but you can share your treats with me when you are feeling better…
Hi Li, yes the ticks were removed by the wonderful staff at the East and West Valley shelters. They had to stop partially through their first attempt because they feared she was losing too much blood in the process. But, the ticks are gone now and we're just waiting for an update..
Diana and Angel – as always, thank you so much for your support!
Thank you Diana!!! 😉
Thank you so much, Michael. We appreciate your support and all of the energy you give to the orphaned kittens..
Hi Li, yes the ticks were removed by the wonderful staff at the East and West Valley shelters. They had to stop partially through their first attempt because they feared she was losing too much blood in the process. But, the ticks are gone now and we’ve received her first update: She’s positive for tick fever (which should come as no surprise to anyone) and she’s currently receiving her first transfusion. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more. Thank you for your support!
Diana and Angel – as always, thank you so much for your support!
where are you located in Phx?
How can we volunteer in the west valley and are teens allowed to volunteer?
Thank you for helping this sweet girl! Keep us posted!
i have donated toward Sophia's care and would be interested in adopting her. Please keep me posted.
Poor baby. She looks so sad.
Hi Susan, thank you for the donation. 🙂 We will definitely be keeping everyone up to date on Sophia- you can check the website and our Facebook at “Medical Animals in Need”
Hi Tamara, unfortunately MAIN does not have any volunteer opportunities for teens (all our dogs are in foster homes), however please check out the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, West shelter’s volunteer program. I believe their minimum age is 15 (http://www.maricopa.gov/Pets/help.aspx#volunteer). You can also check out the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL)- I believe they have some kid/teen programs as well. aawl.org. Thanks for wanting to help! 🙂
Hi Margaret, we are a foster based rescue in Phx, Az
Thank you for the updates. The pics with the tics gone brings me joy! I can not even imagine the suffering this gentle soul has endured. That face buried in the arm nook makes my heart smile.
Hang in there, Sophia. Baby steps. The world is watching!
Thanks for the kind words and for following Sophia’s story, Lindsay! 🙂
Awww thank you Diana and Angel!! BIG HUGS!! <3
Can't wait for another update. Hope she's doing well!