“She transformed into a completely different dog.” Tulissa Parsons, a dedicated volunteer at Philly Rescue Angels, was scanning the open intake shelter for dogs in need when she encountered a senior pit bull who instantly captured her heart. Jade, with her gray muzzle and trembling in fear, gazed up at Tulissa with soulful eyes. Recently surrendered and marked as 14 years old on her paperwork, Jade faced the grim prospect of spending her remaining days in a shelter cage.
“She just had this incredibly sweet demeanor… it was heartbreaking because not only was she a large adult dog in an overcrowded shelter, but being a black pit bull made her chances even slimmer due to the challenges in photographing them,” Parsons recounted to The Dodo.
Despite an abundance of adult pit bulls already under their care, Parsons couldn’t ignore Jade’s plea for a second chance. She swiftly posted Jade’s story in the Philly Rescue Angels foster group, where a compassionate volunteer, familiar with shelter dynamics, immediately offered to foster her.
Upon arriving at her foster home, Jade’s condition was dire. She struggled with severe tooth decay, crippling arthritis that hindered her mobility, pressure injuries from sleeping on unforgiving surfaces, and patchy fur from untreated flea infestations. Her cropped ears were infected, adding to her discomfort.
After receiving a little tender loving care, Jade underwent a remarkable transformation. She enjoyed a pampering spa day where her teeth were brushed, ears cleaned, and nails trimmed. From initially limping due to arthritis, she swiftly progressed to bounding around with joy, capable of walking over a mile.
“We started her on medication, gave her a grooming session, and she blossomed into a completely different dog,” Jade’s foster mom shared with The Dodo.
Just a few days into fostering Jade, her foster mom made a life-changing decision — she wanted to adopt Jade permanently. This was Jade’s heartwarming reaction:
“She rests her head on our laps every single night to drift off to sleep… She’s just so grateful to be loved,” Jade’s new mom affectionately shared.
Every evening, Jade’s family lovingly carries her up the stairs to her bed. It’s a small gesture compared to the joy of having such a gentle senior dog in their lives.
“Having a senior dog surpasses any expectations I’ve ever had about owning a dog,” Jade’s mom continued. “They have an abundance of love to give and so much life to live when they’re cherished and cared for properly.”
Parsons stressed the importance of getting involved to help dogs like Jade find a second chance, whether by volunteering at shelters or becoming a foster parent.
“Even the smallest actions can make a significant impact,” Parsons emphasized.
As for Jade, she now basks in happiness, feeling truly at home and at ease with her newfound loving family.