Watching Sassy give endless kisses and happily soak up all the affection she could in a pink and blue striped dress, a passerby never would have guessed the horrific abuse this two-year-old beagle mix endured at the hands of dog fighters just months ago.
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A former bait dog, Sassy was rescued from a fighting ring with a myriad of injuries — including a wounded “lip” — and brought to the Pasadena Humane Society before she was taken in by the Agua Dulce-based nonprofit Saving Little Strays Rescue.
“We work with the dogs that have issues, so we had no problem (taking her),” said Robert Guerue, the rescue’s vice president and “Meet and Greet” coordinator. “We’ve taken care of all the injuries, but she needs somebody that’s going to give her a little more extra attention.”
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Guerue recalled Sassy being terrified of humans when he first started the process of working with her, and noted he would simply sit in the kennel with her every single day working on his laptop while she kept her distance.
Then one day, Guerue felt a nudge, and looked down to see Sassy nestle herself underneath his arm, choosing to give him her full trust for the very first time. Sassy has come a long way since that day, and now adores people, children, cats and even other dogs.
“(She) wants to just come up to you and lick you and just give you tons of kisses,” Guerue said. “She is super, super friendly, non-aggressive, not a bit… She just wants the attention, really loves attention.”
The one remaining sign of Sassy’s tragic past can be seen around her mouth, where a fighting dog grabbed hold of her “lip” during an attack.
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A veterinarian was able to repair most of the damage through surgery, but one side remains slightly pulled back to reveal what looks like a “snaggletooth,” which gives her the appearance of a permanent half-smile.
Still a puppy, Sassy is full of energy and curiosity, but has an overall mellow demeanor. She loves going for walks, cuddling and giving as many kisses as she can to all she meets.
“Come and meet her, she’s looking for that perfect family,” Guerue said. “(She wants to) just have a second chance at a good home and be loved, that’s it.”
About the Adoption Process at Saving Little Strays Rescue
The rescue dogs at Saving Little Strays Rescue are all spayed or neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccines and dewormed.
The adoption fee, which helps the rescue cover these types of veterinary expenses, ranges depending on the dog’s age. For puppies over four months old and adult dogs, the fee is $350, with seniors set at $250 and puppies at $400.
Fees are tax deductible and include a harness and leash, toys, food, training if needed, and a Petsmart coupon book containing over $400 in savings.
Potential adopters can contact the rescue to set up a “meet and greet” and home check, or stop by the Petsmart on Pico Canyon Road in Stevenson Ranch on Saturdays from 12 to 6 p.m. for the rescue’s weekly adoption days.
To find out more about Sassy or the adoption process at Saving Little Strays Rescue, call 818-635-1782, email savinglittlestrays@gmail.com or click here.
The KHTS Adoptable Pet of the Week is brought to you by:
Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto
23460 Cinema Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
661-253-9300
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