Five maltese, including Pia pictured here, were brought to Dr. Brad Patterson for euthanazia when a maletse breeding kennel was raided and shut down.
The muzzles, which had been placed on the faces of these pitiful dogs to keep them from barking, had grown into the matted hair until they could only be removed by cutting them off.
Unfortunately when the dogs had their matted coats removed, groomers found that bones were protruding from infected open sores on the legs of four of the dogs. They were so old, sick and weak they could never have survived surgery. Lucky for Pia, she was strong enough that her angel, Sarah, was able to nurse her back to health.
That was two years ago. Today, [January 2004] although quite elderly, little Pia lives a life of luxury, one that includes trips, in a book bag, to school and work with her guardian angel.
Poodles currently available for adoption
