From Skin and Bone to Home: The Journey of Mariposa & Francisco

When Survival Is Just the Start

When Mariposa and Francisco arrived at Baypath, their condition brought staff and volunteers to tears. Both were severely emaciated — bones sharp beneath filthy coats. Francisco, at 7 years old, had a Body Condition Score (BCS) of just 2–3 out of 9. Mariposa, only 6, was even more fragile — weighing barely over 3 pounds, with a BCS of 1.

They were placed on strict refeeding plans — six tiny meals a day, starting with as little as 11 grams — to avoid refeeding syndrome, a life-threatening risk when starved animals are fed too much, too fast.

Much of their past is unknown, but they arrived together — and that’s where their new story began.

From Fragile to Fearless: Mariposa’s Journey

Mariposa had no fat, no muscle, and barely the strength to stand. Her coat was soaked in urine, her nails were overgrown, and she showed signs of neurological distress — tremors, stiffness, and ataxia, a condition that affects balance and coordination. Her condition was critical. There was real concern she wouldn’t survive.

She spent four intense months in a foster home with round-the-clock care and veterinary support. Eventually, she was diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) — a lifelong but painless condition that explained her unsteady movements.

Fitted with a wheelchair, Mari adapted quickly. Tail wagging, spirit unshaken, she faced every challenge with joy. During her foster stay, she had a spay surgery, a benign mass removed, and 11 dental extractions — and never stopped fighting. After five months, she was ready for adoption.

Foster to Forever: Mariposa’s New Chapter

Liz and Mark were grieving the loss of their 22-year-old dog — and so was their six-year-old corgi, Austin. They hoped to adopt a dog who might be harder to place. They hadn’t expected one with such complex needs, but Mari’s smile stopped them in their tracks. “There was joy in her eyes. A little mischief too,” Liz said. “We just knew.”

Baypath was transparent about Mari’s medical needs and connected Liz and Mark with her fosters, Noreen and Kelle, who had helped her come so far. Undeterred, they adopted her — ready to give her the best life possible.

“Someone once said something that really stuck with me: see the dog first, the disability second. I was born

with a severe medical condition, and I’ve never wanted to be defined by it — and I feel the same for her. Mari doesn’t let our assumptions about her hold her back. So in a way, we

understood each other from the start.” — Liz, Mariposa’s adopter

 

They brought her to a neurologist for a full workup and MRI. The tremors that once shook her body are now rare — likely worsened by the trauma she endured before rescue. With proper nutrition, regular physical therapy (both on land and in water), and even input from a specialist in Australia, Mari has gone from wobbly steps to confident strides.

She swims like a pro — whether in a therapy pool or the bathtub at home — zips around in her wheelchair, and insists on daily walks. She can even run up a ramp to claim her favorite spot on the recliner. Winter walks require a full snowsuit, sock booties, and one of her many sweaters. “Her wardrobe is serious,” Liz joked.

Mari lives with full-body joy. She digs at the beach, chases the Roomba, and claims every blanket in the house. She shares her kingdom with Austin and her best friend Kodie — a visiting chihuahua who never left and is now officially family.

“Mari’s so determined to keep up with Kodie, it’s basically built-in PT,” Liz said.

She also has strong snack opinions. Liz bakes homemade treats — oatmeal, peanut butter, and banana “nanner cookies.” Mari’s obsessed — and yes, she knows them by name.

“She’s a dog that says yes to life, whether it’s trying a new route on her walk, a new routine at PT, or just going for a car ride or meeting a new friend.”— Liz, Mariposa’s adopters

She has a stuffed sheep we bring everywhere — we call it her emotional support sheep. She checks on it after walks, naps on it after PT, and won’t sleep without it.

Whether she’s sniffing flowers, solving food puzzles, or showing off her diva side, Mari keeps the household laughing. “She knows what she wants, and she’s not shy about asking,” Liz said.

Francisco’s Battle Beyond Survival

Francisco’s recovery was twofold. Physically, he responded well to food and care. But emotionally, he remained in survival mode.

In foster care, he was anxious and reactive — barking at strangers, startling easily, and struggling to relax, even in calm spaces. His trauma ran deep. With help from Baypath’s foster coordinator, vets, and trainers, he started anxiety medication. Progress was slow, but his foster never gave up. With structure, patience, and space, Francisco slowly began to feel safe.

Now named Winston, he’s thriving with adopters Matt and Hayley,. He’s at a healthy weight, loves cuddles, and is learning new tricks. He’s still wary of strangers and sensitive to certain sounds — including oddly specific ones like chewing gum — but his trust is growing.

“Winnie is the sweetest boy with the biggest heart. He just wants to please — and every day, you can see him learning how to be a normal dog after spending so long in survival mode. We’re so grateful he never has to live that way again.”
— Hayley, & Matt, Winston’s adopters

He recently started a new anxiety medication to help with transitions. Curled up on the couch with his people, he’s calm and content.

Winston isn’t a fan of winter — especially when the snow is taller than he is — but wrapped in a blanket or dressed in one of his many sweaters, he’s right at home. His growing wardrobe has become part of his comfort routine.

He’s still learning, still adjusting — but he’s safe, loved, and finally home.

From Uncertain Beginnings to Unshakable Bonds

 Though we may never know exactly how their story began, what matters is where it led. Mariposa and Francisco arrived at Baypath fragile and uncertain — but they never faced recovery alone. With patience, compassion, and the support of many, they’ve become dogs full of life, trust, and love. Their story isn’t just about survival. It’s about what’s possible when you’re finally seen, chosen, and safe.