7-Year-Old Dog Found Starved And Barely Clinging Onto Life On The Street In Las Vegas

Some stories shatter our hearts into a million pieces, and Althea’s is definitely one of them.

Found on the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada, this amazing girl experienced what can only be described as the absolute worst. Being a 7-year old dog, she was found at barely twenty pounds, and was extremely starved and neglected by her previous owner.

Fortunately, thanks to a giant-hearted community who noticed her in such a condition, Althea got a fighting chance.

Althea’s Heartbreaking Story

The good people of Vegas Pet Rescue Project VPRP, from Las Vegas, Nevada, immediately took Althea in after a local shelter contacted them. 

When she first arrived at VPRP, her caregivers couldn’t believe their eyes. She was the most obvious case of abuse and neglect, and they just knew this starving girl must’ve had a horrible life before.

She only weighed twenty-three pounds when she should’ve been around sixty.

“She’s just skin and bones. She was only 23-24 pounds,” Tina Hayes, the rescue’s volunteer, told 8 News Now.

Her story soon made headlines all over the country, leaving thousands of people in disbelief at whoever did this to such an innocent creature.

“Althea is a 7-year-old pitbull who was found on the street barely clinging onto life. It was clear she was starved before she got there,” the reporter Victoria Saha wrote on her Facebook.

She was admitted with fluid in her abdomen that caused an obstruction. On top of all that, she had a heart murmur and multiple other issues caused by starvation. 

Yet, she was a true fighter. Even though she had almost given up on the street, her hero hoomans helped her eyes sparkle again. For several days, Althea fought tooth and nail for every breath and movement. 

She ate a few small meals a day and got huge amounts of love from her caregivers. On top of that, she received regular medical care at the hospital, with Hayes and other volunteers being constantly with her.

The VPRP community was determined to find out the name of Althea’s abuser. They even offered a reward for information leading to her abusers, which in a short amount of time, grew to tens of thousands of dollars.

The people of Las Vegas (and beyond) were truly invested in finding justice for Althea and her journey.
But sadly, even that wasn’t enough.

We Will Never Forget You, Sweet Girl

This brave girl closed her eyes one last time only days after she was initially found on the street. Despite all the love and care she received in her final moments in this world, Althea lost a life battle as her weak body couldn’t take it anymore.

She crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving absolutely everyone devastated.

The people of VPRP and their community said one last goodbye to this sweet girl over a heartbreaking message on Facebook.

“The pain and devastation we feel right now is beyond words. Thank you to all your supporters for their prayers and donations. The whole community fell in love with you just as we did. Your will to live was great but your body was just too tired…We will continue to help other babies all in your name sweetheart,” the rescue wrote in a Facebook post.

The rescue is inclined to keep fighting and rescuing weak and voiceless animals in Althea’s honor, providing them with care and love that they never had the chance to receive.

Even though she’s no longer with us, Althea’s memory will continue to live. Her story will serve as a testament to resilience and bravery, and will surely help raise awareness of how important it is to rescue animals in need.

Rest in peace, sweet girl! You’ll be loved forever!

Ever wondered why your furry companion’s whiskers are more than just cute accessories? Those whiskers on your dog’s face are not just for show – they play a crucial role in your pup’s daily adventures. As a seasoned dog trainer, you’ve probably noticed how these whiskers are not just there for decoration; they serve a practical purpose in your dog’s life.

Your canine friend’s whiskers are like their built-in radar system, helping them navigate the world around them with precision and grace. From sensing changes in the environment to aiding in spatial awareness, those whiskers are an essential tool in your dog’s sensory arsenal. So, the next time you marvel at your dog’s whiskers, remember that they are not just there for looks – they are a vital part of how your furry friend interacts with the world.

Importance of Whiskers in Dogs

Whiskers are much more than just cute facial accessories for dogs; they serve a vital purpose in your furry companion’s life. Here’s why these whiskers are so important for dogs:

1. Sensitivity

A dog’s whiskers are incredibly sensitive and act as a sophisticated navigational tool. They help your furry friend detect even the slightest changes in the environment around them.

2. Spatial Awareness

Whiskers are not just for show; they play a key role in a dog’s spatial awareness. By sensing vibrations and changes in the air, dogs can better understand the world around them and navigate it with ease.

3. Communication

Believe it or not, whiskers are also a form of communication for dogs. When interacting with other dogs or even their human companions, dogs use their whiskers to convey subtle messages and emotions.

4. Protective Mechanism

In addition to their sensory functions, whiskers also act as a protective mechanism for dogs. They help dogs avoid potential dangers by alerting them to obstacles or approaching objects.

5. Essential Tool

Overall, whiskers are an essential tool in a dog’s sensory arsenal. They provide valuable information about the world around them, enhancing their ability to interact with their environment effectively.

Understanding the importance of your dog’s whiskers goes beyond appreciating their appearance; it’s about recognizing the crucial role they play in your pet’s daily life. So, next time you look at your furry friend, remember that those whiskers are more than just adorable—they’re a vital part of how your dog experiences the world.

Structure of Dog Whiskers

When it comes to the structure of dog whiskers, they are quite different from regular hairs on a dog’s body. Dog whiskers, officially known as vibrissae, are much thicker and stiffer than their fur. These specialized hairs are embedded deep in the skin and are rooted in hair follicles surrounded by a rich blood supply and nerve endings. This unique structure makes them highly sensitive and allows them to pick up even the slightest changes in the surrounding environment.

The length of a dog’s whiskers is not random; they are typically in proportion to the width of the dog’s body. Longer whiskers can be found around the dog’s muzzle, above their eyes, and on their jawline. These strategically placed whiskers play a crucial role in helping dogs navigate and understand their surroundings. From gauging the width of openings to sensing nearby objects, dog whiskers act as an extra sense, providing valuable tactile information.

Another interesting aspect of the structure of dog whiskers is that they are deeply connected to a dog’s nervous system. When a dog’s whiskers come into contact with something, the nerve endings send signals to the dog’s brain, triggering a response. This rapid relay of information helps dogs react quickly to potential threats or changes in their environment, showcasing the vital role that whiskers play in a dog’s sensory perception.

Evolutionary Purpose of Dog Whiskers

Dog whiskers, scientifically known as vibrissae, have a crucial evolutionary purpose that dates back to their ancestors’ survival instincts.

1. Enhanced Sensory Perception:
   Dog whiskers are deeply connected to the nervous system, providing vital tactile information. They can sense even the slightest changes in the surrounding environment, alerting the dog to potential dangers or prey.
2. Improved Navigation:
   The strategic placement of whiskers around a dog’s face aids in navigating narrow or dark spaces. These sensitive hairs help dogs determine the size and shape of objects, allowing them to move around obstacles with ease.
3. Communication with Conspecifics:
   Whiskers play a role in dog-dog communication. During social interactions, whisker movements convey mood, aggression, or submission, facilitating smoother interactions between dogs.
4. Protective Mechanism:
   Dog whiskers act as a protective mechanism by helping dogs assess their surroundings without relying solely on vision. They serve as an early warning system, enabling rapid responses to potential threats.

Understanding the evolutionary significance of dog whiskers sheds light on the remarkable adaptability and survival skills of our canine companions.

Care and Maintenance of Dog Whiskers

Taking Care of Your Dog’s Whiskers

When it comes to your furry friend’s whiskers, keeping them in good shape is essential. Here are some simple tips to ensure your dog’s whiskers are well-maintained:

1. Gentle Handling: Be cautious while grooming around your dog’s face to avoid damaging or pulling out their sensitive whiskers.
2. Regular Cleaning: Keep your dog’s whiskers clean from food debris or dirt to prevent any discomfort or infections.
3. Avoid Trimming: Refrain from cutting or trimming your dog’s whiskers as they play a vital role in their sensory perception.
4. Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help maintain the health of your dog’s whiskers.
5. Veterinary Care: Consult your vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s whiskers’ appearance or if they seem to be in pain.

Remember, your dog’s whiskers are not just there for looks but serve important functions in their daily life. By taking good care of them, you ensure your canine companion can navigate the world confidently and comfortably.

Conclusion

Now you know why your furry friend’s whiskers are more than just cute accessories. They play a crucial role in helping your dog navigate their surroundings, communicate, and stay safe. Understanding the significance of whiskers can deepen your bond with your pet and improve their quality of life. Remember to handle their whiskers with care, keep them clean, and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. By appreciating and caring for your dog’s whiskers, you’re ensuring they can make the most of their natural sensory abilities. So, next time you look at those whiskers, remember they’re not just for show – they’re a vital part of how your dog experiences the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the vital functions of a dog’s whiskers?

Dog’s whiskers play crucial roles in navigation, spatial awareness, communication, and protection. They help dogs sense their surroundings.

What is the structure of dog whiskers?

Dog whiskers are specialized hairs called vibrissae. They are thicker and more sensitive than regular fur on a dog’s body.

How do dog whiskers connect to their nervous system?

Dog whiskers are directly linked to a dog’s nervous system, providing tactile information that triggers quick responses to stimuli.

Why are dog whiskers evolutionarily significant?

Dog whiskers have evolved to enhance sensory perception, aid in navigation, facilitate communication, and serve as an early warning system for potential threats.

How should dog whiskers be cared for?

It is essential to handle dog whiskers gently, keep them clean, avoid trimming, provide proper nutrition, and seek veterinary care when necessary to support a dog’s sensory functions and overall well-being.

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