German Shepherd Dog / Mixed (medium coat) • Young • Female • Medium
Pittsburg, CA
House trainedSpecial needsKids OKDogs OK
Meet Wallaby.
At first glance, Wallaby looks like a tiny German Shepherd puppy who never quite grew up. In reality, her story is one of remarkable resilience and survival.
Wallaby came to the shelter after a concerned citizen noticed that something was very wrong. At approximately 8 months old, she weighed only 9 pounds and had become unable to walk normally. Instead of receiving the nutrition a growing puppy desperately needs, she had been severely malnourished during critical stages of her development.
When veterinarians evaluated her, they discovered the devastating effects of long-term nutritional neglect. Her body had been forced to pull calcium and minerals from her own bones just to survive. The damage was so severe that her bones were difficult to visualize on radiographs. Further testing revealed bilateral pelvic fractures and permanent developmental changes that left her physically stunted with unique angular limb deformities that give her a charming, ballerina-like gait.
Despite everything she has endured, Wallaby’s spirit remains completely intact.
With dedicated veterinary care, a carefully managed refeeding program, and plenty of love, Wallaby has made incredible progress. She is now healing well, gaining weight, and learning what it means to simply be a happy puppy. She loves people, enjoys the company of other dogs, and greets new friends with enthusiasm. Watching her prance around, chase toys, and explore the world is a daily reminder of just how resilient dogs can be.
Now weighing in at a mighty 12 pounds, Wallaby is continuing her recovery journey and still needs ongoing medical care, nutritious food, and support as she grows stronger each day.
She is gentle, affectionate, quiet, and easygoing. She has done wonderfully with other dogs and seems to make friends wherever she goes. We often joke that she’s an honorary Chihuahua because of her tiny size, although she’s probably far too friendly to qualify.
Wallaby’s body may always be a little different, but she doesn’t let that slow her down. Right now, we’re not looking for a home for Wallaby just yet. We’re seeking donations to help cover the cost of her continued care and ensure she has everything she needs to keep healing. Your support will help give this resilient little girl the best possible chance at a healthy, happy future.
Helping her is easy. You can send a check or money order to Umbrella of Hope 4040 Railroad Ave Pittsburg CA 94565. We also accept
PayPal: beourpet@gmail.com
Zelle: Beourpet@gmail.com
Venmo using the link in the last photo
As always, your donations are tax deductible.
#wallabythemarsupialpuppy
#shelterpetlove
#alldogsareworthit
GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Yes
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: No
Good with cats?: Unknown
Good with dogs?: Yes
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to veterans of the US Armed Services are ALWAYS free to thank you for your service.
We thank Well Pet Vet Clinic for providing most of our veterinary services and give a special thanks to volunteer photographers Tanya, Barbara, Kristy, Christine, Teressa and Natalie.