Penny the Pit Bull’s rescuers had no idea they were saving two lives when they rescued her.
Penny was thrown from a moving vehicle and rescued by staff at the nearby Berclair Animal Hospital. Penny was malnourished, bruised, and experiencing congestive heart failure as a result of heartworms. Penny has severe cuts and sores all over her face, and her rescuers suspect she was used in dog fighting.
The veterinarians contacted Donna Velez, founder of Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue in Memphis, Tennessee, to see whether her organization might assist. Despite the fact that her rescue was full and she was recovering from her own health problems, Donna asked them to give her some images. As soon as she viewed Penny’s photos, she directed the veterinarians to relieve the dog’s discomfort
and treat her. Donna told DogHeirs that she was determined to find a way to help Penny even if she couldn’t take her herself.
Donna then headed to the clinic to see Penny personally. Donna knew she’d accept the thin, wounded puppy after just one look. “I can’t not take her,” she reasoned. “She looked pitiful,” Donna told DogHeirs, admitting, “I’m a goner once I see them.”
Donna began networking for Penny, and as fate would have it, a family in St. Louis saw Penny’s photo and immediately wanted to adopt her. The family already owns two Pit Bulls and is well-versed in dog care.
“She’s only been with us 10 days and she has a long way to go, but despite all of her shenanigans, she is a lovely dog, she just isn’t accustomed to this lifestyle because she was abused for so long,” Jennifer posted on her Facebook page. “She’s come a long way since we received her.”
Penny’s health has improved dramatically in just a few weeks. Her therapy for severe heartworm is working well, and she is learning a lot in her new home.
“Penny is definitely enjoying life right now!” Her appetite is huge, which is wonderful because she didn’t want to eat the first day she got home, so maybe she’ll start gaining weight. She is still terrified of our two sons, but I am working on carefully socializing them. She enjoys going for walks and wants to rush back to the house when we get home, but I have to stop her because of her health. Overall, this is a tremendous transition for everyone, but I compare it to having a new baby: lots of adjustments that gradually come into place.”
However, Penny’s biggest surprise in her recuperation occurred this week when she suddenly gave birth to a puppy. Nickel is the name given to the infant girl. Despite the traumas and drugs Penny has endured, Nickel is in wonderful health!
Penny is nursing Nickel, and when the puppy is ready, she will be placed with a foster home via Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue. Donna informed DogHeirs that baby Nickel may already have an adoptive family.
Penny’s new family nicely summarizes Penny’s new position and rescue: “Imagine what this pup’s life might have been like if the owners hadn’t dumped Penny. “Two lives have been saved!”
Jennifer, Penny and Nickel’s mother, broke the bad news. Penny died as a result of congestive heart failure. “I had to let her go last night because her heartworms were so serious that she had advanced congestive heart failure and her heart was more than three times the size of a normal heart,” Jennifer explained. She passed away quietly in my arms. Of course, Nickel will remain with us.”
“I miss Penny so much….she peed on my rug, ate my favorite hello kitty slippers, chewed up the door frames, and wrecked her kennel,” Jennifer said on Penny’s Facebook page. However, I never penalized her. I followed through on my promise the day I discovered her tale on my Facebook page. I said, “I want that dog so she may feel the love I give our boys and have the privileged life she deserves,” and I followed through. I intended to indulge her for years, not just months. I can’t stop crying… She was a wonderful dog. So calm and willing to snuggle, and a wonderful mother to Nickel. I adored her, and I’m glad I have Nickel to carry her on… Penny, rest in peace.”
Nickel is already ten weeks old and receiving a lot of attention at home.
Jennifer emailed DogHeirs a photo of Nickel as an adult! “She’s quite the character!” Jen exclaims. Isn’t she sweet?
