When Penny, a pit bull, was rescued, little did her saviors know they were saving not one but two lives. Penny had been cruelly thrown from a moving vehicle and was found by the staff at Berclair Animal Hospital.
She was in poor health, suffering from malnourishment, cuts, bruises, and congestive heart failure linked to severe heartworms. Her rescuers suspected she was a victim of dog fighting.
Veterinarians at the hospital reached out to Donna Velez, the founder of Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue in Memphis, Tennessee, hoping her organization could help.
Despite her own health challenges and having a full rescue center, Donna asked for pictures of Penny. Seeing the images, she was moved to help ease Penny’s pain immediately.
Donna told DogHeirs that she was committed to finding a way to support Penny, even if she couldn’t take her into her care straight away.
Visiting the clinic, Donna’s resolve to adopt the frail and injured dog was instant. “I can’t not take her,” she expressed, recounting to DogHeirs, “I’m a goner once I see them.”
With that decision made, she began seeking a more permanent home for Penny.
Fate aligned when a family in St. Louis, with two pit bulls of their own, saw Penny’s photo and were eager to adopt her. They were experienced in caring for dogs, which was exactly what Penny needed.
“She’s been with us for just 10 days, but she has a long journey ahead of her,” wrote Jennifer, one of Penny’s new family members, on Facebook, adding, “She’s had a tough past, which explains her antics, but she’s a lovely dog and has already made some progress.”
Penny’s health improved significantly over the weeks that followed. Her treatment for heartworm was effective, and she was adjusting to her new life. “Penny is truly enjoying herself now!” shared her family.
“Her appetite has grown, which is great since she refused food at first. She’s still scared of our two sons, but we’re slowly introducing them to each other. Additionally, she loves going for walks, although we have to pace her due to her health.”
The family’s life changed dramatically when Penny unexpectedly gave birth to a healthy puppy named Nickel. Despite her own health struggles and medications, Penny cared for her newborn.
Once Nickel is ready, she will be placed with a foster home through Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue, and she may already have a family lined up.
Reflecting on this miraculous turn of events, Penny’s family remarked, “Imagine Penny’s fate, and Nickel’s too, if she hadn’t been abandoned. Truly, two lives were saved!”
However, Penny’s story took a sad turn when Jennifer, Penny’s adoptive mother, announced her passing due to severe congestive heart failure caused by her heartworms.
“Her heart was more than three times its normal size,” Jennifer shared, “She left us peacefully in my arms. We will now care for Nickel.”
Jennifer paid tribute to Penny on Facebook, recalling how she missed her mischievous antics. “She ruined my rug and slippers and was quite a handful! But never did I reprimand her.
From the moment I saw her on Facebook, I was determined to give her a life filled with love. I intended for her to have many years of joy, not just months.
While I mourn her loss, I am grateful for Nickel, who reminds me of Penny’s spirit. Rest in peace, dear Penny.”
Today, Nickel continues to capture hearts, receiving abundant affection from her family as she turns ten weeks old.
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