Walk for the Underdog

Heather Wilson
Los Angeles

I work at LAC Medical Center in Boyle Heights. There is a good 15 minute walk from the parking garage to the hospital. I used to see this dog walking the streets- but I was afraid to approach her because she was a big, kind of scary looking animal. One day I got a better look, and saw that she was a "Barbie doll" of a dog- she was all ribs and breasts. She was so engorged with milk, her breasts seemed to touch the ground. I used to give her food, but then I decided that I must do something more. For a couple of weeks, I walked to and from the garage with bowls and food and water, hoping to catch her. Where did she go?! A colleague told me to go by the 101 overpass by State Street, so I did. I turned the corner and there she was. Now I got a REALLY good look. I put down the bowls and she ate and drank everything. I quickly saw that she was not vicious at all. I saw that she was covered with fleas and sores. All of her ribs were sticking out, and she had practically no hair. I began to cry, and I called a friend to tell him that I found her. My sister told me that I could not take her without finding her den. I sat with her until she got up and walked away- and I followed her. I saw some guys playing ball in the street, and I asked them where her puppies were. They pointed to this backyard. I approached the gate, and an older guy was inside the yard. I asked him if this was his dog, and she was. I told him that she should not be walking on the streets, she'll get hit by a car. He said, "She climbs the fence! She don't listen!" I assured him that that was because she was starving- look at her ribs! I also told him that she was sick, and I would like to have her. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "You can have her. We're done with her. So, do you want to see her puppies?" Yes, of course. He let me in the yard, and it was a horror show. There were 2 adult male dogs chained up. Then there was MY new dog (I renamed her Luca) and several puppies. I sat on the floor in puppy excrement, and these adorable little furballs were clamoring to get in my lap. I looked back and forth at the chained up dogs, and at the mama dog, and I began to cry again. Another guy came into the yard and he started hitting on me, asking me if I was looking for anybody special. Unreal. NO, I am looking for a special dog... my friend finally came and I put the leash on Luca. The puppies were huge, they did not need her milk anymore. As we walked away, I said, "Say good-bye to your babies..." And off we went. Luca needed a serious flea bath and some basic medical care. She was also full of worms. Luca adjusted beautifully to her new home. It was overwhelming now having a big dog in my apartment (plus 4 cats!). Two weeks later I went to the yard and scooped up the rest of the puppies. I then concentrated my efforts on the two adult dogs that were chained up. Long story short, it took years off of my life, but both dogs were liberated. As soon as Luca's breasts dried out, she was spayed. I had to break my lease and move out of my apartment, because she clearly needed a backyard and more space. I was lucky to find a house to rent that met all of the requirements! Luca still has a strong maternal instinct and tries to groom the cats every chance she can. Only my blind cat lets her do it! It is so endearing to see. Luca has made more than a full recovery. Her hair grew back very quickly, and the worms were gone with just one treatment. She is 20 pounds heavier now, and solid muscle because we run every day. She barely resembles the dog she once was! Wish I could attach more than one pic, so you could see the results of her extreme makeover. Luca is my best friend and the absolute love of my life. She is responsible for introducing me to the world of animal rescue in LA; as well as my love for pit bulls. I did not know what kind of dog she was, I just knew she needed help. I LOVE you Luca! Your paw prints are forever embedded on my soul.

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