Update 2/21/23: Willow has been ADOPTED!!

Her new furever name is Lauralee, and she has been matched with the best human she ever could’ve dreamed of! She will stay local in Greenville, SC, with new new mama and fur-brother, Willie.

Squad Foster Willow joined Dog Squad as a foster on 12/7/22.

Willow/Whistle was on hold at the shelter for 21 days after being removed from an animal cruelty situation.

How It Started

Joined Dog Squad as a foster on 12/7/22

*Previously known as 'Whistle' at GCAC

Willow/Whistle was on hold at the shelter for 21 days after being removed from an animal cruelty situation. Don't worry, her previous owner was criminally charged with animal cruelty (THANK GOD!).

According to the responding officer, Willow was in a crate on the porch with no food or water.

She is 2 years old and extremely emaciated. It's hard to even believe that her condition was worse 22 days ago when she started the refeeding process [monitored by a veterinarian]. Willow is currently 31lbs, and she needs to gain more weight before she will be able to be spayed.

The veterinarian listed Willow's Body Condition Score (BCS) as 2 on a 9 point scale. Think of BCS as being similar to dogs as BMI is to humans.

Willow is also anemic (mild/moderate severity).

Miraculously, this girl somehow managed to test negative for heartworm disease!!

We will continue the slow refeeding process and follow the veterinarian's directives.

Despite Willow''s traumatic past, she is a LOVER to ALL people AND dogs! It's amazing how forgiving dogs are. While she is in poor physical health, her attitude and playful energy outshines the condition of her body.

We took Willow straight to PetSupermarket on the drive home from the shelter to give her a much needed doggy bath. She even got to pick out a new pair of Christmas pajamas after her bath! She was pretty disappointed, though, when the stuffed display dog didn't want to play with her. LOL!

Medical Issues

Emaciated/Very Thin

The veterinarian listed Willow's BCS as 2 and described her as 'very thin/emaciated.'
-Ribs and backbone and pelvic bones visible
-Generalized muscle wasting
-No palpable body fat
-Severe waistline and tummy tuck
Anemia

Anemia refers to a decrease in red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs are produced in the bone marrow and carry oxygen to all tissues in the body. It's not a disease, but rather a condition that is often a symptom of a disease. Willow’s emaciation is likely the cause of her anemia.

Update 12/17/22

Squad Foster Willow was Charm's +1 to the Holiday Bash event and she had a great time. Willow knows no strangers, which actually helped our typically shy Charm feel more confident in a public setting.

Willow had a surprise visit from her former GCAC caretakers, which was the highlight of her day. We are forever grateful for those who not only helped nurse Willow back to health, but who also left the imprint that allowed Willow to trust humans again.

We weren't able to get a clear photo of Willow with Santa because she wouldn't stop giving him kisses!

Her day ended with a pawdicure by Dog Gone Nails. A little pampering goes a long way. Look good, feel good!

When we describe Squad Foster Willow as the perfect dog, we mean it. She loves all dogs and humans (both adults and children). Willow is a quick learner and is eager to please. Her tail wags non-stop!