Animal shelters do incredible work giving pets a second chance. Some animals arrive at shelters in shocking condition, but they still step up to give them the love and care they need.

That was the case for a dog named Libby, who had a tumor the size of a volleyball. But now, her story has a happy ending.

In August, the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, in Washington state, took in a stray pit bull named Libby. They said the dog was “full of life” and had a “sweet face and kind eyes.”

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However, Libby also had a serious medical concern: a 10-pound tumor the size of a volleyball, one of the largest masses they had ever seen:

Libby arrived at a hectic time for the shelter: HSTPC says Libby was just one of three urgent cases they responded to in 48 hours, and as Washington’s largest-intake shelter dozens of new animals were arriving every day.

Despite that, they resolved to give Libby the best possible care, even though they weren’t sure what the future had in store for the poor dog.

“She deserves the most compassionate care possible, but we don’t know what her outcome will be at this time,” the shelter wrote in August. “Our veterinary team is working on every possible option and will start with testing to understand what kind of tumor Libby has. For now, she is receiving pain medication to ease her discomfort and endless love from our staff.”

After giving Libby an x-ray, they discovered the tumor was in the bone of her upper right leg, and would require amputation. Reactive inflammation caused the tumor to swell to its unusual size, and was causing her agonizing pain.

Through generous donations from supporters, the shelter was able to pay for Libby’s leg amputation. The surgery, done by the vet staff at BluePearl Pet Hospital, was a success and Libby was finally free of the pain she had been living through.

Sadly, even though her tumor was gone, she was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer, and her time on earth might be limited. But in happy news, Libby has found a home!

According to HSTPC, a vet tech fell in love with Libby and agreed to adopt her. Even though she knows that Libby might not live long, she wanted to fill her remaining days with love.

“There’s something in her eyes that begs for love and safety,” her new adopter said, according to a Facebook post. “I couldn’t turn away from that.”

Libby has now been renamed “Wiggles” and is enjoying her new home, playing with her dog brother and family and taking lots of cozy naps on the couch.

“Though we’re uncertain how much time she has left, we know she’ll spend her remaining days surrounded by love and comfort thanks to the kindness of our community,” The Humane Society wrote.

Thank you to everyone who saved Libby and gave her a second chance! We hope she enjoys whatever time she has left in her new home! ❤️

 

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Mama dog was sad and lonely in shelter. Someone gave her a new life.

She was in this tiny little kennel, looking so deppreset that it was obvious she’d given birth to puppies.

“In April of 2022 I became severely deppreset and my anxiety was at an all-time high and I was looke okay I live alone it’s finally time to get a dog I just went to the shelter and I went past her a few times and she was one of the dogs that was super quiet while the rest were barking” According to her owner Sarah

She was used for breeding and then either ran away or was dumped somewhere because they no longer needed her.

“I met her out in our back yard we just had the instant connection she jumped up and wanted affection for me and allowed me to pet her little belly adopted her later that night”

When I got her, she instantly made me feel less lonely and happier with the state that the world has been in for the last few years, not being a social person and not being able to see friends. When things get tough, she motivates me to go outside and just stare at me, and I’m looke, okay.” Sarah stated

“The things that drew my attention to her when I met her at the shelter. I looke to think she understands what I’m saying. She simply cannot respond to me with physical words. She definitely knows when I need some extra cuddles.”

“I tell her all the time how much I love her and how grateful I am that she chose me.” We’re looke two peas in a pod, and we’ll always get along.”

 

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A sad puppy waits for her father to come home from the hospital by the door.

 

In April, Katie Snyder temporarily relocated her dog Leia to her father’s house.

Leia appreciates not having to deal with her two canine brothers and having Snyder’s parents to herself. But you’d never guess it based on her actions.

“Leia is not your typical cuddling dog,” Snyder explained to The Dodo. “She’s incredibly self-sufficient and laid-back.”

“Leia loves all of her people in her own special way,” she went on to say. “Whether it’s lying next to you during movie night or waiting outside the bathroom door for you to finish.”

Snyder could tell Leia was having a good time, but she had no idea how close the dog had become to her father until their bond was put to the test.

Snyder’s parents had just returned from celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary when her father’s cancer returned. Snyder’s mother was unable to accompany him to the hospital due to COVID-19.

Snyder’s mother arrived home alone, and it was clear that she wasn’t the only one who was distressed. Leia waited for her father to return home, head bowed, at the front door.

Snyder’s mother took a photo of the grieving dog and sent it to her daughter, saying, “When she gave me the image, I instantly burst into tears.” “It completely destroyed me,” Snyder admitted. “I could tell how much [Leia] sincerely loved my father and how much she missed him.”

Snyder and Leia were overjoyed when Snyder’s father returned home the next day.

After witnessing how much her father’s absence affected her dog, Snyder has decided to make Leia’s living situation permanent.

“She is the true definition of a dog when it comes to loyalty,” Snyder said. “He is now her human.”

“My mother has become accustomed to having another female kiss him on the face,” she went on to explain.