Muriel is a redbone coonhound whose life was saved – and transformed – by American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue, Inc., thanks to a $1,000 grant from the Petfinder Foundation and the Pedigree Foundation. The organization’s VP and treasurer, Molly Smith, wrote to us with Muriel’s story.
“The grant allowed us to save a young coonhound, Muriel, and provide her with the care needed to allow her to live a full life. She is now adopted and has a great home. Without your grant, the medical expense would have been a major hardship for our group.
“Muriel was found in Alabama, skeletal and limping. But what a gentle, loving spirit she had in spite of everything that had happened to her. In her short two years, she had seen more than her share of pain. We suspect that she was hit by a car; her right front leg had no sensation and she did not use it to walk. When she was found, she hadn’t had food in a long time, and at only 45 lbs., she was at least 20 lbs. underweight.
“Muriel had her right front leg amputated on Aug. 10, 2012, was treated for heartworm, and by the end of August, she had found her forever home!” (See more photos of Muriel and her new family at ABTCR’s website.)
Her adopter, Brian, sent this update to the rescue group in September: “Muriel’s new name, Nyla, means winner or victor in the Creek Indian language. How appropriate for one who has survived so much adversity and made it to her new, loving, forever home.
“She is getting along great with our other Coonie, Belle, and our old girl Golden Retriever, Sophie. They act like they have known each other forever. She has adapted well to her amputation and is eating us out of house and home. She still needs to gain a few pounds but we are going to have to watch her to be sure she doesn’t gain too much. She is such a sweet girl. How do these dogs go through so much and still trust and love their new families?
“Nyla is enjoying being in the country and loves to ‘tree,’ looking for squirrels and other critters. She may be slowed down a little by her amputation, but she is the most ‘handicapable’ animal I have ever seen. There is nothing she won’t attempt. She is going to do just fine.”
Thank you to the Pedigree Foundation, American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue and everyone who made Muriel’s wonderful new life possible!
