Kitty was transferred from Fulton County Animal Shelter in Georgia to Muddy Paws Rescue in March of 2023, with her 7 siblings. All of the puppies were quite timid, but Kitty was exceptionally terrified and shut down. All of her littermates were soon adopted while she remained adoptable in foster care.

Kitty was so afraid of her surroundings that she refused to go outside of her foster’s apartment for an entire month. When she was on the way to the clinic to receive a vaccine, she managed to escape from her handler. After a harrowing 24-hour search, Kitty was found cowering in a yard and safely returned to the rescue.

A staff member at Muddy Paws Rescue offered to foster Kitty, so she could decompress. After several weeks of not leaving one room, Kitty began to settle in and follow the lead of the resident dogs in the home. She started to transition from using potty pads inside to the backyard and from hiding in corners to cuddling on couches. As her confidence grew, her medical needs became more apparent. She had a persistent limp when she walked.

After several x-rays, it was determined that Kitty needed to have a CT scan. It was discovered that she is suffering from bilateral elbow dysplasia, causing fragmentation of the bone in both elbows. If untreated, this disease can cause significant pain, early onset arthritis, and lameness in both of her front limbs. She needs surgery immediately to correct the abnormalities, otherwise the severity will continue to progress as she grows up.

Although Kitty has been very scared throughout her young life, the rescue and medical staff have noted that – no matter what – she has never lashed out in fear. Despite the pain she has been experiencing, she has been blossoming in her foster home and we cannot wait to see what the future has in store for this brave girl.