Sponge Cake – Living Up To Her Name

There is a very dangerous old wives’ tale that leads people to believe that pouring motor oil over a dog is a fast and easy way to kill mites. According to Veterinarian Partner, it was once thought that dipping a dog in motor oil would kill mites. However, skin that is exposed to motor oil can cause rashes, irritate the skin, cause secondary infections, or even skin destruction in severe cases. If the skin absorbs the motor oil it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and if the dog licks the oil off their coat it can lead to pneumonia, kidney and liver damage, and even death.

In April at 10 months of age, this sweet pup, Sponge Cake, was found as a thin stray suffering from a severe case of demodex mange and still covered in motor oil. When the City of Tallahassee – Animal Shelter took her in, she was immediately bathed in Dawn dish detergent to remove the motor oil and was started on antibacterial medication for her skin irritation, an antibiotic, and pain medication due to the fact her skin would crack and bleed with the slightest movement.

Despite her prior unkind treatment by humans and her obvious discomfort, the Tallahassee rescue was amazed at how loving and gentle Sponge Cake was. They decided on the name “Sponge” because they were optimistic, she would bounce back quickly. Later they added “Cake” to her name because she was so sweet. By all accounts she did not disappoint their expectations!

At the end of April, while still healing, Sponge Cake made the trip to Baypath where she continued her medicated baths and medications. Shortly after arrival, Sponge Cake was placed into foster care with our loyal foster, Katrina Sloan, who has taken in too many foster dogs and cats to count. Not long after her placement in foster care did Evan and Gabrielle notice her on our site and, once they met her, knew she was going to be the pup for them.

Fast-forward five months and it sounds like Sponge Cake is still living up to her moniker given to her by the rescue in Tallahassee as she has proven to be resilient and sweet! Evan is happy to tell us that her fur has completely grown back. He also says that “Sponge is thriving! She has such a big personality, is extremely playful, and loves her toys and family!”

Not only is this girl adorable, sweet and playful she is also very smart. Evan says that “she is a fast learner, will follow voice commands, and uses a button to communicate when she wants to go ‘outside’ and when she wants to ‘play’.”

Despite being cast aside and finding herself homeless and suffering from a severe skin infection, she certainly has bounced back and is now in a home that loves her and promises to care for her. Her adopted family says, “Sponge is absolutely everything you could want in a dog and we’re so thrilled to be her forever home.”