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In Bakersfield, California, meet Xena—a courageous dog whose story is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. Her paws, covered in bandages, tell a tale of suffering, though thankfully, she has no bone fractures and is receiving medical treatment. At the shelter, Xena is terrified and trembles with fear.
Here’s a glimpse into her ordeal, as shared by one of the shelter’s staff officers:
“Xena’s rescue was no easy feat. For weeks, my colleague and I tried everything—traps, food, you name it. On the day we finally caught her, we had to tranquilize her to bring her to safety. She had been scaling chain-link fences and even an 8-foot brick wall, desperately evading capture. In her frantic state, she ended up in a yard with three hostile dogs, injuring her paws on the chain-link. We’ve treated her injuries, but now we face the challenge of gaining her trust and helping her adjust. Each day, we make slow progress, working to get her comfortable with a leash and to show her she is safe with us.”
To make matters worse, the Kern County Animal Shelter recently shared an urgent update:
**9/05/24 –** “We initially had a brief chance to find Xena a safe exit from the shelter, but that opportunity has passed. Now, she’s battling a doggy cold on top of everything else. While we’re providing her with the necessary medication, our top priority is finding a safe, loving environment for her. Her situation is more critical than ever. If you can help in any way, please contact us immediately.”
Xena’s world has been turned upside down. She eats sparingly, resists walking on a leash, and trembles when touched. Despite these challenges, she has made small strides forward, but there’s still a long road ahead. Shelter staff, who describe her as having “not a mean bone in her body,” are doing everything they can, but time for individual care is limited.
Xena needs a compassionate foster or rescue organization willing to provide her with the patience and environment she requires for rehabilitation. Adoption might be a future option, but for now, we need someone who can offer her the specialized care she needs to begin healing. If you can offer Xena a chance at a better life, please reach out and help her find the safe haven she so desperately needs.
