Abby was a stray who came into our care via a local shelter. She had an enormous mammary tumor and she was in desperate need of medical care, which is probably the reason that she had been abandoned. We were worried that the tumor might be cancerous and that it may have spread to other parts of her body. Abby was examined by our vet, blood work was drawn, x-rays were taken and it was determined that she was a good candidate for surgery. We knew that the surgery would be risky because the tumor was so extensive, but we opted to proceed because Abby was such a little fighter. She deserved a second chance at life and happiness.

The surgery lasted 2 1/2 hours and the mammary tumor was so large that it had completely outgrown its blood supply. It was badly infected in the center, so it's a good thing that Abby went for surgery when she did! Abby was also spayed at the same time and a second tumor was found on the body of her uterus, but thankfully our vet was able to completely remove both tumors. Abby subsequently had surgery to remove some additional smaller lumps on other parts of her body---just to be safe. We are happy to report that all of her lumps and bumps were benign, so we expect that Abby has a long and happy life ahead of her!

As Abby recovered from her surgery and started feeling better and better, some behaviors began to emerge that we hadn't seen before.  Although she was getting along well with the other little dogs in her foster home, she became defensive and sometimes aggressive when she was introduced to new dogs.  We believe that her behavior was fear-based as a result of having to protect herself while living on the streets and fending for herself in her former life.  Abby's foster mom continued to work with her on her training and socialization, but Abby's progress was slow.  Abby was a happy little girl who adored all people, but she just didn't like the idea of meeting new dogs and her adoption prospects were slim.

After seventeen months in our foster care program, Abby's foster mom decided to adopt her as a permanent member of the family, just a few days before Christmas.  Sometimes Christmas wishes DO come true!

Abby with her best friend, Keavy

***From Abby's foster mom:

"Can you tell them apart?  Abby and Keavy have such a bond that there is no way that I can separate them.  They are always together during the day and sleep together during the evening and beside each other at night in the bed, in my bed.  Abby has found her Forever Home."