It was impossible to say for sure what Pretzel had been through. Rescuers discovered her wandering the streets of Michigan, looking completely lost and shut down.
No one nearby recognized her or knew where she came from, but one thing was clear: this poor pup was in serious distress. Severely underweight and clearly weak, Pretzel seemed like she might not survive much longer on her own.
Thankfully, the team at Rebel Dogs Detroit happened to spot her and immediately jumped in to help. Seeing her in such a fragile state broke their hearts, and they knew she couldn’t wait another day for care.
Clinging To Life On The Streets
As rescuers approached, they saw Pretzel gnawing on something by the roadside. A closer look revealed it was a dead bird, likely the only thing she could find to eat.
The sight was devastating. Pretzel had gone so long without food that she’d been forced to rely on whatever scraps she could scavenge.
They hoped she wouldn’t be frightened by them, like many dogs who’ve spent time on the streets. To their relief, Pretzel didn’t back away. In fact, when they opened the car door, she climbed in on her own.
That simple act spoke volumes; she was exhausted, hungry, and ready to be saved.
The damage from her time on the streets was written all over her face. Even though she didn’t resist being rescued, Pretzel was still hesitant when anyone tried to touch her.
It was clear that she’d lost trust in people, perhaps due to past abuse. Her rescuers showered her with gentle affection, slowly earning her trust.
As she leaned into their arms, they were finally able to examine her more closely and the injuries they found needed urgent medical attention.
Searching For A Safe Place To Heal
Pretzel was rushed to a vet clinic in Michigan, where they made a surprising discovery. She did have a microchip, but it wasn’t registered. No one could trace where she came from, or why she had been left to fend for herself.
Though the mystery of her past remained unsolved, the team focused entirely on her recovery. They started her on a treatment plan to address both her injuries and severe malnutrition.
But with the shelter already overcrowded, they knew Pretzel wouldn’t thrive there. What she truly needed was a foster home: a quiet space to rest and heal.
After everything she’d endured, the idea of her spending any more time in a noisy kennel was heartbreaking. Pretzel deserved comfort, patience, and people who would show her the care she had been denied.
Now, her rescuers are working tirelessly to find the perfect foster placement for her. In the meantime, she remains under their watchful care, slowly regaining strength and weight.
Each day, Pretzel is making visible progress. Her body is healing, and her spirit is beginning to return. With time, love, and the right home, there’s no doubt she’ll get the fresh start she’s waited so long for.