Maya has waited her entire life for a loving home. She may finally get one Friday.
In May, the 14-year-old dog was brought to Pima Animal Care Center suffering from severe emaciation, long-neglected infections and a maggot infestation.
“Maya is a wonderful example of how, because of our community’s support, we can save our community’s neediest pets,” Karen Hollish, PACC’s director of development and marketing, said in a prepared statement Thursday. “Now all she needs is a loving forever home.”
When Maya’s former owner, who hasn’t been identified, surrendered her to PACC, the little dog’s coat was matted and filled with feces, maggots and burrs.
She also suffered from eye infections and severe dental disease. Her former owners said the dog was “too dirty” to be inside with their child and asked for her to be euthanized, PACC officials reported.
Instead of putting Maya down, PACC’s medical team gave her the medications she needed to begin healing.
While one of Maya’s eyes could be saved, the other had been neglected for so long that PACC’s doctors had to remove it. Community donations made it possible for PACC doctors to clean her teeth and removed those that caused her pain.
PACC cited Maya’s former owner with cruelty and neglect for failure to provide medical care. This citation carries a fine of up to $2,500, jail time of up to six months, and probation of up to three years.
Tucson City Court records indicate Maya’s former owner pled not guilty and that she has been ordered to take an educational class on proper pet care.
“If you are witnessing pet cruelty or neglect like this, please call and report it to Pima Animal Care,” said Adam Ricci, PACC’s enforcement operations manager, said in a prepared statement.
Maya is now energetic and gets along well with other dogs, as well as cats. Her perfect home would be with a retired person who has lots of time to spend with her and who will give her the space she needs to feel safe. PACC officials said she will be available for adoption at the shelter, 4000 N. Silverbell Road at noon on Friday. Additional animals can also be helped by donating to PACC’s Medical Fund at pima.gov/animalcare/give or call 724-5984.
