Cuddles, a 12-year-old Maltese mix, was found in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, with severe bite wounds that left her unable to move. The person who found her brought her to the nearest emergency hospital. Unfortunately, there was no one to claim financial responsibility of Cuddles and she was subsequently transferred to a county shelter. Given the gravity of her injuries, the shelter couldn’t provide adequate care and reached out to rescues for help.

AMA Animal Rescue responded immediately to the shelter’s plea. When they arrived to meet Cuddles, the shelter had conducted x-rays and informed them that she had spinal injuries on top of her bite wounds. Due to the complexity of her case, the shelter considered euthanasia as the best option. In response, AMA immediately took her in and rushed her to an emergency hospital for evaluation by a neurologist, ensuring she had a fair chance to fight for her life.

Cuddles was immediately hospitalized in order to monitor her injuries and ensure her pain levels were managed. It was also determined she is nearly entirely blind, making this experience all the more terrifying for her. The medical team assumes that she lost her vision prior to the attack.

The neurologist’s evaluation revealed that although Cuddles couldn’t walk, she retained voluntary movement and sensation in all her limbs. She was diagnosed with a neck fracture and suspected damage to her spinal cord. The multiple bite wounds indicated that she was attacked by a large dog that grabbed her by the neck and shook her. Considering her age, size, and vision impairment, it is a miracle that she survived.

Cuddles is now in a loving foster home, but requires ongoing check ups to ensure that her wounds and neck fracture are healing well. She is at risk for infection and will require drain cleanings while her shoulder heals. Cuddles will remain in a neck brace for several weeks and undergo x-rays to monitor her broken neck. However, the medical team is hopeful that with time, Cuddles will be able to walk again.

We are committed to making sure Cuddle’s can live the remainder of her golden years healthy, safe and loved.