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Pit bull rescue becomes Richmond shelter’s first adoption of 2018

Posted at 6:37 PM, Jan 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-01 18:37:17-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – The pit bull terrier mix saved from the Church Hill streets in early December went home with her new family on New Year’s Day, according to CBS 6.

“Thank you to everyone for loving her along the way,” Richmond Animal Care and Control said on Facebook. “If this wasn’t awesome enough, the family that was our last adoption of 2017 sponsored the first adoption of 2018 which turned out to be Penelope!”

Penelope underwent several intense surgeries that were covered by RACC’s foundation.

A neighbor on N. 33rd Street in Church Hill was leaving for work when they spotted the dog shivering in some bushes on the street. After seeing the dog’s condition, the woman called animal control officers.

Veterinarians were able to stop hypothermia from setting in and cleaned up multiple bite wounds. There was initial concern that Penelope might lose her eyes, but veterinarians were able to save them. She had a fracture and holes through to her sinus cavity.

RACC said they suspected that the pit bull, estimated to be three or four years old, had been abused in dog-fighting. The case is still under investigation.

“Penelope is the poster child for the work our shelter does every single day,” said Director Christie Chipps Peters. “We rescue animals from terrible situations, work hard to rehabilitate and provide medical care and then strive to find a great forever home. We are thrilled that we could be a part of this sweet dogs life at a time when she needed it most. Additionally, we are so very grateful to everyone that supports our city shelter.”

RACC received unprecedented support in 2017

The organization said that in 2017, for the first time in its history, there was enough funding for every life-saving surgery needed by the animals in their care.

That amounts to over $115,000 worth of medical care, for dogs and cats.

Last year, RACC was only able to help 68% of the animals that were brought to them.

“Neglect, we see animals that are injured, animals hit by a car, thanks to this foundation we were able to cover the emergency care of any animal in need in the city,” said Robin Young, RACC outreach coordinator.

Staff at RACC with Penelope. Photo by Richmond Animal Care and Control

Staff at RACC with Penelope. Photo by Richmond Animal Care and Control

“Because of you we funded 71 medical repair surgeries, 7 trips to the neurologist, 11 surgeries/treatments at the animal eye center, 32 heartworm treatments, 2 trips to the cardiologist and one to a dermatologist,” the agency wrote on Facebook. “Your ongoing support through donations, social media sharing and word-of-mouth has enabled the Foundation to reach new levels in its support of RACC this past year.”

They also funded over 1,300 hours of on-site behavioral training and assessment services, to help make sure that each of the dogs and cats in RACC’s care found the right home.

“Penelope was definitely was a critical case when we found her,” Young said. “She was definitely a case where she needed care and she needed it right away. There wasn’t time to wait on another private shelter to come in.”

While RACC is thrilled to reach this milestone in 2017, Young said they will still need support in 2018.

“It’s a continual need, everyday; we don’t know whats going to come through our doors.” she said. “So 2017 was a great year but… we always need donations to keep this going.”