Neglected Shih Tzu Found Roaming Streets of Clinton Township

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A grossly neglected Shih Tzu with clumps of matted hair covering her eyes was found roaming the streets of Clinton Township by Macomb County Animal Control on Monday, Oct. 31. The pup, who is now known as Elvira, is being cared for by the Advanced Animal Emergency team in Clinton Township.

So, how is Elvira doing? Advanced Animal Emergency veterinary tech Keyshia White told Patch, "Everything is pretty extensive on her care part." They had to shave a pound of matted hair off the pup just to examine her. That was only the beginning. Elvira is missing a foot, has blindness and faces a number of surgeries and procedures to treat other health issues the team is uncovering.

Despite Elvira's heartbreaking condition, White says "She's actually in really good spirits. She's playing with us, giving us kisses and eating like a champ."

It's too early to tell if adoption is in Elvira's future, but White is hopeful. She told Patch, "She’s actually going to a foster home today to be with a foster parent. Due to the extent of her injuries and whether we go ahead with surgical procedures, that will take quite some time. We're hoping down the road she'll be able to be adopted."

Want to help Elvira? If you know who Elvira's owner is, please contact Macomb County Animal Control at 586-469-5115. And if you'd like to help Elvira with her treatment bills, click here.

Photo courtesy of Keyshia White