After wandering on her own for an estimated three months, a rescue dog named Kelly is finally recovering from her ordeal. She was found starving and extremely weak in the Bonneville Salt Flats west of Salt Lake City back in January. It’s a miracle she survived the barren landscape for as long as she did, and rescuers from the Utah Animal Adoption Center didn’t hesitate to take her in.
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When she was finally rescued and brought into the shelter’s care facility, it was determined the dog had a severe infestation of mites that translated into a highly contagious case of mange. Her fur had fallen out, and her skin was thin and scarred from exposure. Walking through the flats for weeks left her paws raw and in pain. She was also extremely thin and suffered from malnutrition.
There’s still no answer to how or why Kelly ended up struggling to survive in the salt flats. It’s possible she was dumped by owners who no longer wanted her, but rescuers are still hoping she’s a lost dog and her owners will find her soon. While rescuers puzzled over where she came from, their first priority was to get her healthy. It took months of treatment, but the rescue dog is recovering well. She is no longer contagious and has gotten to spend time with both people and other dogs. Her friends at the shelter say she loves everyone she meets.
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Since she was first taken in, people from all over have been sending their support. Kelly has received gifts of soft pajamas and jackets to keep her warm, and more than a few people have made guesses about her breed.
Now that her fur has started to grow back, the shelter has decided to host a competition in honor of their special rescue dog. Veterinarians performed a blood test to determine possible health risks, and while they were at it, they also decided to do a DNA test. The test will determine what breed or what kind of mix Kelly is, and they’re inviting the public to take part in the guessing.
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It’ll be 3-4 weeks until the results are in, and everyone has that long to come up with their best guesses. Many people have already said Vizla or Pointer, but there are several mixed breed combinations with high chances of winning.
If you’re ready to make your guess, email info@utahanimals.org. The winner of the competition will be announced via live video on the shelter’s Facebook page and receive a gift basket. Kelly has come a long way, and everyone is thrilled to see her moving forward and enjoying life.
Featured image source: Facebook/Utah Animal Adoptions Center
