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How does a rescue keep two bonded sisters from being separated? That’s the story of Andi and Baylee, who were abandoned last September in Hermosillo, Mexico. Andi was found outside huddling by a wall, very thin, very frightened. She was dirty, skinny, covered in ticks and fleas, and her eyes were clouded over with what appeared to be cataracts. Her sister, Baylee, had been taken in by a neighbor, who eventually agreed to relinquish Baylee to SOLR so the two could stay together.
Neither dog was in good health when they arrived in SOLR’s care. Testing showed both Labradors were suffering from hip dysplasia and tick fever (an infection caused by tick bites). Baylee had to drag her back leg – she was losing muscle needed to stand. Andi had an eye infection and could hardly see. The biting and scratching at fleas had caused severe skin and ear infections for both sisters.
The next challenge? Finding a foster able to care for two dogs with medical needs. Charlene Sigala rose to the occasion. “The most special thing about these sweet sisters is that they learned to trust me rather quickly after having been abandoned and mistreated,” says Charlene. At one point, Andi jumped on the sofa and put her head in Charlene’s lap. “That showed me she trusted me and felt safe.”
Then a miracle: After just several appointments with Dr. Shelly Martin at Desert Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic in Tucson, they began healing -- faster than anyone could imagine. Treatment with antibiotics cured their tick fever. Eye drops, medical baths, joint supplements, healthy food, and vet visits had also helped. Soon the two six-year-old sisters were romping and playing together.
“They were not the same dogs at all,” says Susan Krase, president and medical coordinator for SOLR. “It made me cry just to see what our rescue did to turn them around.” She remembers hugging Andi the first day she arrived at the rescue. “I wanted to cry seeing the pain she was in. And now I want to cry with so much happiness in my heart that we did all of this and they will have years of happiness together.”
Toys, treats, new dog beds, and love – what could be better? Baylee can walk, romp, and run again. Andi’s eyes are still a little cloudy, but she can see again. “Their development, healing, and playful natures has been a joy to experience,” says Charlene. “Being part of their journey has been so rewarding. I’m so glad I decided to foster.”
On November 16, 2021, Andi and Baylee were adopted by a loving couple in Litchfield Park. They will never be neglected or abandoned again.
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