The ASPCA predicts that approximately 5 to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Rescue groups do their best to find suitable homes for as many of these animals as they can, but it's not easy to find homes for so many, and nearly impossible if that animal has some kind of disability.
Tessa was one little girl facing these incredible odds. Tessa woke up blind one morning and her owners, not knowing what to do, abandoned her at a shelter. A blind dog in a shelter doesn't usually have much of a chance, and depending on the shelter (and overcrowding), a dog might only have a few days to find a home or get pulled by a rescue group, before facing possible euthanization.
Luckily, the people at the shelter felt that Tessa deserved a second chance and put out a call for action. The good folks of the Bill Foundation responded and were luckily able to pull Tessa from the shelter, foster her, and get her the medical treatment that she so desperately needed. It was no minor miracle.
Tessa has Vertical Nystagmus, which is an involuntary up and down movement of the eyes. This left her dizzy and unable to stand. This must have been terrifying for her to be abandoned at such a vulnerable time in her life. As it turned out, the Vertical Nystagmus was not Tessa's only issue. Tessa also had a fluid surrounding her brain, a condition called Hydrocephalus. The Bill Foundation helped Tessa to get treatment and surgery, and she has made serious strides toward recovery.
This little girl has battled health issues and come back from brink of death to become a happy little companion animal. Watching her wagging her tail and playing with other dogs after all she's been through, is truly inspirational.
Tessa's story is not over yet!
"Tessa is sunshine and butterflies and everything that's wonderful and pure in the world. She's so happy and so full of life. She has a forever home waiting for her out there, we just haven't found it yet." Says Annie, the Executive Director at the Bill Foundation. Tessa is still looking for her forever home!
Visit Tessa's profile on PetFinder: Tessa the Havanese Mix is in Southern California and waits patiently for someone to adopt her.
Once Tessa is placed in a new home, the Bill Foundation will be able to rescue another pet from the shelter and be able to help other animals to live long happy lives and find loving forever homes.
Do you have a Tail of Survival? We'd love to hear it! Visit us at thepetcollective.tv and tell us your story!
Tessa's profile: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25568249
Bill Foundation link: https://www.facebook.com/BillFoundationDogRescue
Pet Collective Website: http://www.thepetcollective.tv/