From the moment we welcome a pet into our lives, we become their parents, protectors, and closest companions. We open our hearts and homes to them.
It is heartbreaking to think of all the innocent animals who suffer abuse and betrayal instead of receiving the love they deserve.
Violet’s story is a painful reminder of cruelty, but it also shows the healing power of compassion. Her journey leads to the happiness every animal should know.
Thrown Away But Saved In Time
Violet, an English Mastiff, was hurled out of a moving car window on Gallahan Road in Clinton, Maryland. Witnesses to the horrifying act immediately stopped, jumped out of their car, and rushed to help her.
She was taken straight to Prince George County Animal Control. That same day, she was moved to Mutts Matter Rescue, a non-profit that partners with shelters and takes on urgent cases.
Volunteer Debbie Gretz agreed to foster her. With experience caring for starved and mistreated dogs, she knew what Violet needed.
Debbie described the heartbreaking first meeting.
“She was barely alive. She was brought into my house, carried by two people, on a blanket. She did not stand for 3 days… As she stood, it was like watching a skeleton stand up. As she walked over to me with her little nubbin tail wagging, that moment gave me hope.”
Debbie broke down when she saw her condition. Blood tests confirmed the severe damage caused by long-term starvation.
Determined to save her, she gave Violet the care and affection she had always been denied.
When she embraced her for the first time, every bone was visible beneath her skin. Violet weighed only 52 pounds, far below the 130 to 220 pounds expected for female Mastiffs.
“She has a lot of pressure sores all over her body. There are two on her legs that went all the way down to her bones, so they’re treating those as well… She initially had to remain in the basement – unable to walk up the stairs on her own,“ Autumn Clayton, one of the volunteers with Mutts Matter Rescue, said.
Rescuers believed Violet had been chained up and exploited for breeding, which likely caused the painful sores on her body.
Healing Through Love And Patience
Debbie soon realized that the outdoors terrified Violet. “I can tell you, I wonder if she has ever been outside. She looks up at the skies and looks up at the trees like she has never seen them before.”
Her suffering was so severe that The Humane Society of the United States offered a $5000 reward for information about her abusers. Sadly, they were never identified.
Despite everything, Violet learned to trust Debbie. She often laid her head in her lap, quietly showing the affection she felt for her rescuer.
Over time, Violet grew stronger, eventually reaching 138 pounds. She could walk up the stairs with ease and enjoyed long walks. Her wounds healed, and she happily played with other dogs.
Her recovery was long and difficult, but thanks to Debbie’s tireless devotion, Violet thrived. The sadness was gone from her face, replaced with pure joy.
Violet was adopted into a loving home where she is deeply cherished.
Later, Violet and her family visited Debbie in Idaho Falls. Their reunion was filled with happiness.
We are grateful to Debbie, Violet’s adoptive family, and everyone who helped save her life.