Belky has returned, and he’s better than ever.
According to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, the 15-year-old Australian shepherd was abandoned by the side of Michigan’s Interstate 696 earlier this year, after her previous caregiver left her there when she ran out of money.
A kind Samaritan saw the dog walking alone on the side of the roadway and reported the incident to the Saginaw Police Department, who sent the information to Saginaw County Animal Care & Control for investigation (SCACC). When the SCACC learned about Belky’s predicament, rescuers were sent to the scene promptly to pick up the dog.
Belky was in bad condition when the rescuers arrived, which was unfortunate. Not only was the senior dog abandoned, but she was also left behind significantly overweight and with maggot infestations seen throughout her body, according to witnesses.
Belky was returned to the SCACC by rescuers, where she was treated for her health problems and placed on a diet to help her lose weight in a safe and healthy manner. Belky was later taken in by the Humane Society of Midland County in Midland, Michigan, where he was cared for until his death.
According to Casey Nicholson, the communications coordinator at the Humane Society of Midland County, “We saw Belky on the Saginaw County Animal Care Facebook page before the visit and promised her that we would take her and give her a second chance if she had a good quality of life”.
“We came across a puppy with a brilliant spark in her eyes that yearned desperately to be loved and given a second chance,” says the author.
Having received some tender loving care and losing a few pounds, Belky was ready for a new chapter in his life. In August, the BISSELL Pet Foundation held an emergency adoption event called “Empty the Shelters,” which concentrated on finding homes for elderly animals and other creatures that were more difficult to place.
Belky was one among the 1,805 pets that were adopted as a result of this incident, and he was adopted by Breanna Dalton.
Dalton originally came across Belky on the Humane Society of Midland County’s Facebook page and knew she was the dog for her. She adopted her immediately. This bond was only deepened once the animal lover had the opportunity to meet the pup in person.
As Dalton said, “I knew it would be difficult for her to find a home since everyone wants pups that would be with them for a long time, and I had a hunch that her need for medicine would make it much more difficult for her to find a home.”
“I couldn’t believe my luck the following day when I got the opportunity to visit the shelter and she was still there.”
Belky rapidly became acclimated to her new home with Dalton, and she now spends her days snuggling with her toys, going for daily walks, and relaxing in her orthopedic bed, among other activities.
“When I go home, she’s so thrilled to see me that her entire body wiggles with excitement,” Dalton said. “It’s like she can’t wait to see me.”
