Gertrude’s story begins with a heartbreaking act of neglect. Left locked in a crate and abandoned in a Colorado parking lot, she was left helpless and alone.
Unable to escape or seek help, all she could do was wait and hope that someone would notice her and offer the kindness she so desperately needed.
Thankfully, a passerby saw the abandoned pup and immediately called Animal Protection & Control, who responded swiftly to the scene.
The Turning Point In Gertrude’s Life
When the officers arrived and saw Gertrude, their hearts broke.
She was severely malnourished, with her bones clearly visible, and much of her fur had fallen out. Her posture was low, as though she had completely given up hope.
However, when Gertrude saw the officers approach her crate, her eyes lit up with hope.
The team immediately gave her food, which she eagerly devoured, occasionally pausing to look up at them in gratitude.
After finishing the meal, she wagged her tail and smiled as if thanking them for their kindness.
The officers gently transferred her to NOCO Humane in Loveland, Colorado, where veterinarians began treating her for demodex mange.
A Slow But Steady Recovery
Though Gertrude was in poor condition, she greeted the vet staff with sweetness and soaked up all the affection they offered. Given her dangerously low weight, she was placed on a special feeding regimen.
Over the next few weeks, her health improved as she gained weight and her fur began to grow back.
However, just as she was about to be ready for adoption, Gertrude developed an upper respiratory infection and had to be quarantined for further treatment.
Even during her isolation, she remained upbeat, lighting up whenever staff came to give her food or medicine. With steady medical care and love, Gertrude’s condition steadily improved.
When Gertrude finally recovered from her infection, she was excited to play with other dogs again. The shelter staff agreed that she was ready for adoption. But then disaster struck.
The Alexander Mountain Fire prompted evacuations in Larimer County, displacing many families and pets. To make room for the evacuated animals, NOCO Humane transferred 40 of its residents, including Gertrude, to partner shelters.
She was sent to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Regionin Colorado Springs.
Though her friends at NOCO Humane were sad to see her go, they kissed her goodbye, confident that her future was looking bright.
A Heartwarming New Beginning
Upon arriving at her new shelter, Gertrude quickly became the center of attention.
Cody Costra, the public relations manager at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, said,“So I was there when Gertrude’s van came in and the first thing we noticed is that she was just a bundle of joy.”
It didn’t take long before Gertrude found her forever home with a loving family who immediately fell in love with her.
After a lifetime of hardship, Gertrude now enjoys the care and comfort she always deserved. Each struggle she faced brought her closer to the happy life she now lives.
Today, Gertrude has found her happy ending, surrounded by love and security.