Gilda came to us through frenzied networking on what was potentially her last day on earth. Once again, we swallowed hard and drove to the shelter to pick her up. We instantly realized that we were dealing with a puppy, not an older dog. Her condition was deplorable with feet swollen to at least twice their normal size.

Gilda is recovering from a severe case of demodex mange - a non contagious disease that is a result of stress and a suppressed immune system. In addition, she is fighting secondary skin infections that have swollen her feet and made them very ouchy. The good news is that she is now outfitted with the proper tools - a foster home, a nice big bed, grain free food, fish oil supplements among other things and a course of antibiotics.

She loves other dogs and gets a kick out of horsing around in the yard. She prefers to sleep on her foster mom's bed if she can get away with it. She knows how to sit and is a delight to have around.

Hard to believe that she was found tied to a tree just a few short weeks ago.