The dog’s owner initially called the California animal shelter, asking them to take his “dead” 8-year-old Lhasa Apso. But when officers arrived they discovered the dog wasn’t deceased. The dog was alive, hiding under a bush against the house. It was obvious she had suffered for severe neglect.

According to an RCDAS press statement, the owner told Animal Control Officers that the dog had been “acting odd” and didn’t want to eat. But when the man was asked when the dog was last groomed he responded “about a year”.

Joh Hergenreder, an animal control officer, immediately brought the dog to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, where she was checked, given pain medicine, and treated by vets.

They started working on her matted, several-inch-thick coat. They had to sedate the little puppy to finish cutting away the matted fur. It took them almost an hour to finish that task because the matted coat covered all surfaces along the entire length of all four legs, including the paws.

That’s when they discovered maggots in her rear end.

“This is where the dog’s skin was moist and enflamed – and the infection of her skin provided an environment in which maggots thrive,” Strongin. “The skin infection affected the entire hind end of the dog.”

But after a few hours of medical attention, the tiny Lhasa Apso is doing much better now that she is being properly cared for and she will be put up for adoption or transferred to a rescue group to find a home.

According to officials, an animal cruelty inquiry has been launched and will most likely be sent to the county District Attorney. Also, we’re so happy to know the dog is out of a terrible home situation and will be moving on to a loving one.

It is truly remarkable that the Lhasa Apso was able to survive despite the severe neglect it had experienced. Neglect can have serious consequences for dogs, including malnutrition, dehydration, infections, and even death.

The fact that the dog was hiding under a bush against the house suggests that she may have been trying to find a safe and secluded spot to rest and recover. Dogs are known for their resilience and will to survive, even in the most difficult circumstances.

The animal shelter staff likely provided the dog with the necessary medical care and attention she needed to recover. Depending on the severity of her neglect, this could have included treatment for malnutrition, dehydration, infections, and other health issues.

It’s important to remember that neglecting or mistreating animals is never acceptable. All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that they receive the care they need and deserve.