On June 13th, a special 2 month old mangey puppy came into my life. Covered in scabs, bloody with open wounds, swollen from secondary skin infections, eye infections, and urinary tract infections. This little girl was a complete mess. The question was, how did a young puppy end up in a such a pitiful state? Well, this puppy was a pure example and image of what we call neglect.

Introducing Buttercup…regardless of the obvious discomfort, this little girl would wag her tail every time my eyes met hers. For a young puppy who merely entered the world 2 month ago, her happy-go-lucky personality easily disguised the horrors of her past.

Buttercup was taken from a guy who acquired her from his neighbors, they were planning on killing her with a rock, due to her “conditions”! You would think this guy’s intentions were to save her life, however, that was far from the case. The truth was, he wanted to breed her instead! After escaping a near death experience, Buttercup was found in the backyard deteriorating slowly waiting for help to arrive.

I could never grasp the thought of being so defenseless with no one to care for you…Just the thought of her sitting alone broke my heart, it was a reality I didn’t want to believe in. Sadly, I knew this kind of neglect happens all too often. Regardless, I wanted things to be different for her. On the day I picked her up, I promised her a second chance.

In a short three month period time, Buttercup had fought off all her medical issues and even learned how to jump onto the bed. Even better, she also mastered the art of manipulation, charming her way out of trouble easily. Looking at Butters now, I no longer see the traces of her past. She now sleeps on a comfy bed, plays with toys, and most importantly, has someone to care for her. In short, she came a long way and in that short period of time became one of the strongest and happiest dogs I’ve ever met. There was no more sadness, no more pain. She was ready to move on and I knew her home was out there waiting for her.

I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason, maybe that’s why I was so overjoyed with excitement when Buttercup’s time came and the perfect home came around. It was love at first sight for Keri and Nate when they first met Buttercup. I knew from that moment this was her family, but needless to say…the moment was still a bittersweet one for me. I remembered that little 2 month old helpless puppy that I worked with everyday and couldn’t help but feel empty at the thought of her leaving. However, seeing her smiling up at me was all the confirmation I needed.

Buttercup has a family now, and when such an amazing dog like Buttercup finally finds a home to call her own, that ‘empty’ feeling never felt so good. Butters was a fighter, she fought to survive and she never gave up. Now she is finally home with two loving parents Keri and Nate, a fur-sister Jemma and two human sisters! What a happy ending for this once helpless pup. Enjoy your life Butters!

– Melody Chen

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