Ryder at 21 pounds (left and middle)
When 8-year-old Ryder was brought to the attention of Where the Love Is volunteers earlier this month, her condition was dire: she weighed a skeletal 21 pounds, struggled to breathe, and could barely stand. She was hospitalized for 15 days, but, sadly, a leg wound deteriorated into a large, painful abscess.
Today, Ryder is recuperating from wound-closure surgery in the home of two WTLI volunteers, but has a long road to recovery. Thanks to her great appetite and a daily diet of chicken, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, white rice, eggs, and a prescription dog food, Ryder is up to 33.6 pounds (still short of a healthier 45-to-50 pound goal.) Most recently, she began receiving aggressive antibiotic injections at the hospital to ensure her wound heals to avoid amputation of the leg. Animal control officers continue to investigate the monstrous neglect.
This affectionate, playful girl is not out of the woods. But “Ryder the Fighter” has a convoy of loving supporters rooting for her! WTLI never hesitated to save Ryder’s life (her veterinary bills exceed $20,000) but recent publicity and an overwhelming response from the public helped raise $10,000 for Ryder’s recovery.
Please share her story on your social media or donate to her recovery efforts,
