The sight of Calista’s frailty brought tears to the rescuers’ eyes. The malnourished dog was discovered walking the streets of New Jersey after a concerned person saw her frail frame and contacted animal control. She’s already making an incredible recovery – and hasn’t allowed her trauma to crush her spirit, according to post.bark.co.
Jon DeCando, the city of Paterson’s animal control officer, noticed Calista’s pain. He told NorthJersey.com, “You know the dog didn’t eat, didn’t drink.” She plainly required expert care, so he contacted A Pathway to Hope, a foster-based rescue organization that was taken aback by her condition.
Frannie Laurita, the volunteer who picked up Calista to bring her to the hospital, described her as “the most terribly starved dog I’ve ever seen.” She weighed only 29 pounds, despite the fact that a dog her age and size should weigh at least 50 pounds. She began her recovery from malnutrition and anemia at the hospital with small meals and a comfortable bed to rest in.
It’s difficult to believe a dog could trust people again after being mistreated so badly, but she’s shown nothing but love for her rescuers and foster family, and she has a special affection for her foster sisters, who are young girls. Calista, whose name means “most lovely,” is gaining weight every day and enjoys showering attention on everyone she meets.
Calista’s owner showed up to claim her the same day animal control scooped her up from the chilly streets, and her appalling condition definitely encouraged law enforcement to take her case seriously. He was charged with five counts of animal cruelty, including pain and torture of a living animal, each of which carries a six-month sentence and a $1,000 fine.
Calista adores her foster family, but she wants her own forever home, according to Amy Hofer, president of A Pathway to Hope. Fill out an application at APathwayToHope.org if you know someone who might be interested in adopting this sweet puppy. Please consider donating if you can so that A Pathway to Hope can continue to save pets like Calista.
