A malnourished dog rescued in Ohioville, Beaver County, is now in the care of the local Humane Society and needs a medical foster home. Xena, a young German shepherd mix, was found abandoned and in severe neglect, prompting an urgent call for assistance.

Alison Yazer at the Beaver County Humane Society detailed Xena's condition, "She was brought to us as a stray, it was very obvious to us at the start that she was severely malnourished." The concern was initially that her condition was due to an underlying medical issue, but further examination at an emergency veterinary clinic revealed starvation to be the culprit. Her strict feeding regimen aims to prevent complications such as bloat, as reported by CBS News Pittsburgh.

The Beaver County Humane Society’s Wendi Stafford, a humane society police officer, noted the troubling physical signs Xena bore upon rescue. "Notably, her teeth are considerably worn down, which may indicate that she had been chewing on non-edible materials in a desperate attempt to obtain any nourishment she could find," Stafford stated, as per WPXI. This highlights the level of neglect and the extent of survival instincts the young dog had to engage in while fending for herself.

According to WPXI, Xena's recovery is said to require a 24/7 schedule of monitored food intake and medical examinations to ensure her path back to health. Yazer reflects on the tender spirit of the starved dog despite her ordeal. "We’re relieved to see that despite her dire condition, she’s still a curious pup who just wants to love and be loved in return," Yazer expressed optimism for Xena's future. The Beaver County Humane Society calls compassionate individuals to step up as fosters or donate towards Xena’s recovery by adding "Xena’s Care" in the comment field on their website. 

Those interested in fostering can contact BCHS’s Foster Coordinator at 724-775-5801 ext. 117.