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Badly Matted Dog In Pennsylvania Breaks Hearts With Hidden Medical Problems Beneath Her Fur

Badly Matted Dog In Pennsylvania Breaks Hearts With Hidden Medical Problems Beneath Her Fur

Sadly, when animals are neglected, it can lead to serious health problems.

From their teeth and fur to even their nails, it’s important to always keep their well-being as a top priority.

For Norma, there was no one to make sure she had what she needed.

Her story took a turn when she was spotted running around a gas station. A kind person caught her and brought her to the Pennsylvania SPCA Danville Center. The moment the SPCA staff saw her, they knew she would need plenty of care and attention.

A Transformation She Needed

Norma’s troubles went far beyond her tangled fur.

“She was severely matted and had a ruptured tendon in her back leg, as well as severe eye abnormalities. There was no question that this tiny pup had been suffering for some time,” Pennsylvania SPCA wrote in a Facebook post about Norma. 

Seeing her in such poor condition broke the rescuers’ hearts. It only strengthened their determination to help her get better as quickly as possible.

“My heart sank when I laid eyes on her. I immediately scooped her up and ran her over to our clinic to begin the process of dematting her. Norma was scared. I could tell the mats were painful for her, but she was very tolerant of us,” a representative from PSPCA Danville told The Dodo. 

After a thorough medical check, the veterinary team determined that her eyes would need to be removed.

Norma, being a brave and gentle girl, didn’t seem concerned. Why would she be, when she was finally surrounded by kind people who truly cared for her?

Beginning A New Life

The surgery went well, but Norma faced a long road to recovery. Fortunately, an experienced foster mom volunteered to take her in.

Over the next three months, Norma healed both physically and emotionally, learning how to live as a blind dog.

Thanks to all the love and support, her cheerful personality began to shine.

“The timid dog I met back in late December turned out to be one of the snuggliest dogs [I’ve] ever met. She just wanted to lay on laps and warm them. She craves to be held, petted and loved,” the representative said.

Once she was healthy and happy, it was time to find her a forever home.

“We were passionate to ensure she would find her happily-ever-after. We put feelers out in the community for an adoptive home and found her the best momma. She was a Shih Tzu lover who had recently lost her little Shih Tzu. She was looking for a dog in need that she could love,” the representative stated. 

Now, Norma is enjoying the best life she could have imagined.

Once a dog left to survive in terrible conditions, she can finally rest in her new mom’s loving arms.

“Norma is doing great! She is living her best life in her new home. Her momma keeps us updated regularly. We can tell Norma hit the lottery and will live the rest of her life only knowing love,” the representative said.