Cinder-ella story: Confiscated dog’s tale needs a happy ending

Cinder

Once upon a time a little, 2-year-old, black and white Chihuahua…the color of cinders…was tied to a tree in the high desert of Southern California. When her babies died due to exposure to the elements, she was rescued and transferred to Helen Woodward Animal Center where there was room at the inn. Now adoption counselors and care providers are offering holiday prayers that, “Cinder-ella’s” gift will be a new family and a forever home.
“We see some pretty sad things,” says HWAC spokesman John Van Zante. “But this is among the worst. Animal Control officials investigated a report that the mommy dog was tied to a tree with her puppies nearby. Neighbors said that the dog had lived its entire life tied to the tree. But officers arrived too late. The puppies had all died from exposure.”
The mommy dog was taken to an animal control facility in Los Angeles County. The already crowded kennels could not hold another dog… especially a dog that had come from such uncertain circumstances. Rather than take drastic measures the little Chihuahua was allowed to leave with, “Joseph.” Julie Joseph runs a cat rescue organization in Los Angeles.
Joseph works closely with Helen Woodward Animal Center to rescue orphaned dogs and cats that might not otherwise survive. She contacted HWAC Adoptions Manager LaBeth Thompson and told her the story of a dog that she had already named, “Cinder.”
Thompson says, “After all she had been through, we were pleased that Cinder was still such a sweet dog. She’s missing some fur on her neck from wearing a collar that was possibly too tight and from living outside. At 10 pounds she’s, “chubby’’ due to lack of exercise. But Dr. Patricia Carter says that Cinder is, otherwise, in pretty good health.”
Van Zante adds, “Cinder will need training. She’s spent her whole life outside, tied to a tree. One of our care providers says that this dog has never lived like a, “real pet.” That means she’s got a lot to learn, but she’s young, has a great personality, and she’s eager to be the shining star of her new family.”
Cinder’s adoption fee is $195. She is available for adoption at Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. For more information about orphaned dogs and cats in need of loving families call 858-756-4117 or log on to www.animalcenter.org.