We adopted Mabel from Project Underdog Rescue in May 2021 after fostering her since December 2020. Mabel is a 6-year-old American Staffy x Shar Pei that had been used by a backyard breeder her whole life. She lived on concrete, churned out litters of puppies and lived with chronic infections and malnourishment.
Her skin infections were so bad when she came to us that she needed twice weekly baths with medicated shampoo, twice-daily cleaning with antibacterial solutions, and a regime of medications for several months. This was made more difficult by the fact that baths/spraying water had clearly been used as a cruel punishment – she was terrified of water and would shut down for several hours after a bath.
Despite her difficult past, Mabel has always been gentle, loving and a total cuddle bug. After working with Project Underdog to rehabilitate her, we couldn't bear the thought of letting her go. She is the best thing that has ever happened to us – she made our family whole and shows us every day to find happiness and joy in the simplest things. I know it's a cliche, but she really was the one that saved us!