Dog Rescued From Hoarding Case Fights To Survive, Craves Comfort

Among the many dogs seized from a hoarding situation in rural Missouri was a two-year-old whose condition broke the hearts of those who found her.

Snow Drop’s legs were covered with open wounds that were exposed to the bone and both her legs were swollen with infection. But rescuers didn’t know how badly Snow Drop was until she was examined by the emergency vet team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

Vets determined that her infection was so severe it had begun eating away at her joints. “It takes a long time for infection to attack the joints and bones like this,” the rescue organization wrote. “She’s been suffering for months, most likely. The smell of infection is so strong. She has no broken bones, so this either all started with a dog bite or pressure sores. Since she currently has pressure sores, that seems more likely and was probably kept in a crate or very small room.”

Named after the delicate winter flower, Snow Drop’s soulful eyes touched everyone who met her. As rescuers administered care and treated her severe dehydration, she fought sedation because she craved the attention she was getting. “She didn’t want to miss a thing. We’re happy to see she does have feeling in her legs and has a strong will to survive. Even though cleaning her wounds is not the most comfortable thing for her, she loves when we touch her. She buries her head into our arms and chests, craving comfort, love, and compassion,” they wrote.

As days passed, Snow Drop continued to fight the infection ravaging her legs. Vets determined that one leg was beyond saving and would need to be amputated to save her life. Before surgery, the staff focused on stabilizing her while providing plenty of love and comfort.

“She loves stroller rides to the yard to sniff around, small bites of cheeseburgers (of course we are spoiling her!), and getting pets from her favorite clinic nurses,” they shared.

Last week, she was finally strong enough for surgery, and it went well. Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared, “We thought she’d have to have both back legs amputated, but she’s been working so hard to get strong. Her other leg is still very weak, but she is showing improvement and gaining strength!” They remain hopeful she will overcome the infection in her remaining hind leg and regain mobility without needing wheels.

The rescue posted a video of Snow Drop walking in the yard after her surgery. “She is getting stronger in her hind leg each day. She battles the infection in her joint with everything she’s got,” they wrote. “And, the moment we got to the yard, the SUN came out just for her!”

“This little girl is so gentle. A lover. A brave soul. A warrior! We couldn’t be more proud of this absolutely amazing girl. Keep going Snowdrop, the world is yours! You beautiful little flower. We can’t wait to see her in a real home, she’s never going to believe how wonderful it is.”

To help support Snow Drop please consider making a donation at: strayrescue.org