Belle’s story is one of both distress and triumph. In September, animal welfare officials in Johannesburg, South Africa, encountered Belle in a shocking state. The poor dog was covered in tiny white lumps, which turned out to be ticks.
She was infested to the point where it seemed as though she had mange or another severe skin condition. The ticks had drained so much of her blood that Belle was nearly anemic and struggled to walk. –WATCH VIDEO BELOW
These images are difficult to view, especially for dog lovers, but they highlight the harsh realities faced by animals left to fend for themselves. The organization CLAW, which discovered Belle, could not immediately remove all the ticks due to the risk of severe blood loss. Instead, they treated her condition and allowed the ticks to fall off gradually.
Despite the heartache of seeing Belle in such pain, the treatment was effective. –WATCH VIDEO BELOW
All the ticks were eventually removed, and Belle began to recover. Though she may have some permanent scars, they do not seem to bother her. She now has a beautiful, shiny coat and a joyful demeanor.
Belle’s recovery is further sweetened by the fact that she has found a loving forever home with her new owner, Hannah. As noted on CLAW’s Facebook page, “Belle quickly won Hannah’s heart, and their bond has been truly magical. Belle is thriving and enjoying a new chapter in her life, full of love and happiness.” –WATCH VIDEO BELOW
