Recently, Sharon Stone, Operations Manager with In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary was contacted by a family that had lost their little Yorkie-Poo when they stopped at a rest stop near Vaiden, Mississippi on Interstate 55. The little dog was scared by the noise of trucks on the highway, and bolted, slipping out of his collar. Debbie Clark, Director of Hope Animal Sanctuary, traveled with Sharon to Vaiden to search for the little dog. As they turned on a gravel road, a very thin large dog stepped out of a wooded area near a creek and into their view. Although this was not the dog they were looking for, this girl was emaciated and clearly needed help. The women  stopped and poured out some food which she gulped down ravenously! While she ate, they drove down the gravel road, talking to local residents and leaving contact information in case the missing Yorkie-Poo was seen.

Returning to the bridge, they saw that she had traveled further down the road, but when Sharon called she ran back as fast as her scrawny body would carry her. to reach Sharon, rolled over on her belly and looked up at her with a look of total gratitude. She was so thankful for the food, but most of all she was thrilled to find any kindness from humans. She named her Meleda because she is so incredibly sweet.

When examined, it was discovered that there was an indention in her fur where a chain had been. It appears that she finally lost enough weight to slip the chain. The collar she wore hung loosely from her neck- another indication of tremendous weight loss.

Slipping a lead around her neck and speaking softly, Sharon led Meleda to the vehicle and gently placed her on a soft blanket in the back of the SUV. Meleda seemed to understand that her life was about to change as she lay quietly on the blanket in the cool of the air conditioner.

She is now at Hope Animal Sanctuary where she will be fed several small meals daily until her system can accept normal amounts of food. She will need to be heartworm tested when she feels better, but for now she is happy to have plenty of love and good care. One day soon, this lucky girl will be ready for a home where she will be a much loved family member.

Your donations to In Defense of Animals will allow us to save more dogs just like Meleda: www.idausa.org/donate

We are continuing to support efforts to find the Yorkie-Poo and will keep you updated on the search