SPECIAL UPDATE: Libby gets her surgery!
When Libby arrived at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County a month ago suffering from one of the largest masses we’ve ever seen, our team agreed there was something indescribably special about her. Her soft gaze, curious sniffs, and gentle licks told a deeper story of what she had lived through and a desperate longing for love.
But the severity of her condition cast concern throughout our team, and an X-ray confirmed what we feared. There was a massive tumor in the bone of her upper right leg, causing reactive inflammation that swelled her leg to the size of a volleyball and made her almost immobile with pain. To save her life, the limb would need an immediate amputation.
As Libby’s story spread through our community, hundreds of caring donors sprang into action, unable to sit idly by as the sweet pit bull suffered. Thanks to their generous gifts and a collaboration with a team of expert vet staff at Blue Pearl, Libby’s leg and the 10 lb. mass that had caused her so much agony were amputated.
After witnessing Libby’s loving spirit firsthand, what happened next came as no surprise. A veterinary technician immediately fell in love and decided to adopt sweet Libby—even after learning of her diagnosis of aggressive bone cancer and that her time left on earth may be limited.
“There’s something in her eyes that begs for love and safety,” her adopter said. “I couldn’t turn away from that.”
Libby, now named Wiggles for her joyful nature, spends her days playing with her dog brother, snuggling with her human sister, and taking well-deserved couch naps wrapped in cozy fleece blankets. And though we’re uncertain how much time she has left, we know she’ll spend her remaining days surrounded by love and comfort thanks to the kindness of our community.
Generous support from compassionate donors means the world for dogs like Wiggles. And we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of her story. But the work never stops.
Every day, animals arrive at our shelter needing emergency care and intensive rehabilitation, and we simply can’t help them all without our animal-loving community. Your donation right now will help us continue to be there for every pet at our doors and go the extra mile when it really matters.
