It's only been a day, and already this little angel has completely transformed. Really within just the first few hours. From a terrified, dirty, matted dog the shelter workers kept asking me "are you SURE you want to take this on?", to a cherished part of my family and heart forever. Lily shall never again know what abuse, neglect, hunger, or heartache is.
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This was Lily's shelter photo. Notice how they're hanging back and have a towel up, it just breaks my heart she was being treated as a vicious and dangerious dog - When in reality, she was just scared to death. She's not a mean dog at all, she just needed to be told she was safe!
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The transformation begins - Wrapped in towels to help her feel more secure, you can still see the sadness and fear in her eyes. This is the first time I held my darling Lily.
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This doesn't even really show how dirty and matted she was, but gives you a good idea as she looks FORWARD, never backward, she seemed to know her life had just changed forever.
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On the way home "Is it really over, am I really safe now?"
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"Oh you're NOT taking me back? OH YAY!" As soon as I told her she was safe now, her whole body language and expression changed - Look at that smile, the first Lily smile!
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"The seatbelt doesn't reach far enough mommy, I can't reach you!", as soon as I told her she was safe, she suddenly wanted to be as close to me as she could get, wanting to make sure this was all for real!
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Outside for her first walk, this is actually just outside the vet's clinic I took her to.
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"So many good smells here mommy"
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Waiting to be seen at the vet, gives you an idea how bad her poor eye is
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Her cataract covered right eye
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The full horror of her left eye - Bloody, swollen, and painful, also cataract covered.
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Bathed, brushed out, and groomed - Looking like a new dog!
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"See mom, I know how to sit!", so cute, she loves to see what she can do to please me!
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"I love you mommy, just snuggle me" - Not bad for a "vicious" dog, huh?
Quite a transformation - From the terrified, injured stray nobody would touch, to the treasured baby girl who's currently curled up beside me, little Lily hasn't shown me a single sign of the dog the shelter workers knew. Not once has she growled of offered to bite, even as the vet examined her poor eye and carried out his exam on her arthritic legs. They said she wouldn't eat - Yet she eats with gusto here! Proof positive that a little love and care goes a LONG ways!