by Malia Sexton

Malia Sexton is an Outreach Associate at Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California. VAC shares their animal rescue adventures with us every month. Check out KRL’s interview with VAC to learn more about what they do.

Ava, a one-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix, didn’t have the greatest start in life. After being found abandoned and alone in a field by Orange Cove Animal Control, Ava was in desperate need of some compassion and TLC. No one knows just how long she had been left to fend for herself, but judging by her poor condition when found, we believed it was quite some time. Not only was Ava extremely malnourished, weighing in at only 32 lbs., she also had a severe case of demodectic mange. In fact, Ava’s mange was so severe, that it had caused her to lose all her fur, and covered her body in painful sores and scabs.

Ava before

Luckily, through the networking of some passionate animal advocates, Valley Animal Center was able to step in just in time to rescue Ava and provide her with some long-overdue attention. Once she arrived at our facility on February 4, 2016, Ava was immediately started on treatment and given a much-needed bath for her mange; she even happily participated in the bath. Despite her traumatic ordeal, Ava has won the hearts of staff and volunteers alike after only a few days at Valley Animal Center with her unwavering devotion, determination to thrive, unlimited kisses, and unconditional love.

Ava after

Although she does have a way to go on her road to healing , we expect Ava to make a full and complete recovery. Once her medical treatment is complete in a couple of months, Ava will be available for adoption and would make a great addition to any home. She is as sociable as can be and loves making new friends. If you are looking for a pet to adopt now, please visit Valley Animal Center’s adoption centers. Our team of knowledgeable adoption staff can help you find your paw-fect match! The adoption centers are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Valley Animal Center relies on the support of the community to provide their life-saving services, as we receive no public funding. Please consider making a donation today to help our shelter rescue and care for animals like Ava. Your gift will be worth double from now until March 26, 2016, as we have secured matching donations for Pennies 4 Pets, our biggest fundraising campaign of the year! Donate today at www.valleyanimal.org or visit www.valleyanimal.org/p4p to find out other ways to help.

Keep up with VAC’s animal rescue adventures here at KRL, and learn more about adopting from them, volunteering, and donating to VAC on their website If you advertise with KRL you can designate 10% of your ad fees to go to VAC.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to a local animal rescue.