Jelly Bean – A Sweet Story of Resilience
It should come as no surprise that Jelly Bean arrived at Baypath on Valentine’s Day, considering the effortless way she wins over everyone’s heart. This sweet puppy was found in an Alabama backyard at just seven weeks of age, weighing only 2 pounds. Alabama nonprofit Joy’s Pet Haven knew time was of the essence for this malnourished, anemic pup, who was suffering from fleas, intestinal parasites and a wounded hind leg. Over several weeks, the organization put Jelly Bean on the road to recovery, organizing a fundraiser to help with her vetting bills until she gained the strength she needed to undergo partial limb removal surgery.
Fast forward two months to December – Jelly Bean had managed to gain six pounds and received a clean bill of health from our southern partners’ veterinarian! Knowing her best chance for adoption was leaving the crowded Southern shelters, the Baypath team collaborated with our rescue partner to arrange transport to New England!
In February, our skilled staff welcomed this happy mini cupid into our care. Recognizing that Jelly Bean’s leg was not weight-bearing despite being healed, our veterinary team determined amputation was the best option in order to avoid painful future complications.
Whisked into the care of experienced foster Guiliana Shah while awaiting surgery, it didn’t take long before this precious cherub stole Guiliana’s heart! When she thinks of Jelly Bean, Guiliana says the word resilient comes to mind. “She will always be the strongest, most energetic and full of love puppy I’ve ever met,” she shares. Amazing fosters like Guiliana further Baypath’s lifesaving mission, allowing us to take in dogs and cats who need extra time to heal in a home setting.
After receiving loving care in foster, six-month-old Jelly Bean was fully healed and ready for adoption. Little did this charming pup know that not only would she soon meet her forever humans, she would also become a little sister to four-year-old dog Abby!
Renamed June by her adopters the Milch family, this energetic beauty loves all people, cats and other dogs. June so appreciates her new life that she can’t wait for each day to start, eagerly waking up the Milch’s every morning (albeit a bit earlier than they would like!)
With her endless energy, this deserving canine takes several walks a day with Abby and enjoys playdates with neighborhood puppies. When asked if she seems bothered being a tripod, her adopter Doug explains that it doesn’t seem to slow her down one bit. He says she happily “runs with big dogs and gets right back up if she gets knocked down.” Doug jokingly explains that sometimes he feels she “forgets she is missing a leg” and will try to jump over something or run upstairs at full speed, resulting in a belly flop landing!
Jelly Bean’s foster Guiliana Shah was spot-on with her use of the word resilient. Not only did this tough pup overcome numerous health challenges while adjusting to unfamiliar environments, she truly thrived every step of the way. Though she may have only three legs, this special girl has left countless paw prints on too many hearts to count!
