Five years ago Treya’s owner was murdered. In that moment, her life was shattered along with her human’s. She was left to spend her days, nights, sweltering summers, and freezing winters chained beneath the porch of her abandoned home. Neighbors packed Treya’s makeshift shelter with hay for warmth and provided food, but without human contact, she slowly deteriorated to a state of fearfulness and distrust.
At some point, the heavy chain that held her became wrapped around Treya’s right front paw. The pain and terror she must have experienced is unthinkable. Finally, she was forced to chew off her own foot in order to free herself and survive.
Last month, firefighters alerted Stray Rescue of St. Louis to Treya’s presence. With plenty of patience and perseverance, they were able to free the terrified dog from her backyard prison.
Back at headquarters, Stray Rescue found that aside from her long-healed missing paw, Treya was suffering from heartworm disease, a severe flea infestation, and of course, emotional trauma.
She was understandably fearful, but a wonderful thing happened when her rescuers introduced Treya to another stray named Little Pinky, a shaggy-haired 15 pound Brussells Griffon mix.
Pinky’s comforting presence reassured Treya that she was safe, and his friendship reminded her how it feels to give and receive love. Soon, this brave survivor’s tail was wagging once again!
Treya was placed in a loving, experienced foster home where she is undergoing treatment for heartworm disease and a skin infection caused by her flea infestation. They are also helping her work on her socialization skills.
Her heartworm treatment alone will cost about $1,200, but the kindhearted folks at Stray Rescue of St. Louis also hope to raise the $3,000 needed to fit her with a prosthetic limb. Randy Grim, the founder of Stray Rescue, says he hopes to one day see sweet Treya running carefree the way every dog deserves.
If you would like to make a donation toward the care of dogs like Treya, you may do so securely here.
All Images via Stray Rescue of St. Louis
