When staff at Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) in Virginia first saw the small Shih Tzu brought through their doors, they couldn’t believe she was still alive.
Wrapped in a plastic garbage bag, the frail little dog had almost no hair left. Her skin was raw and infected — an untreated condition likely years in the making.
Two people had found her abandoned behind an old church on the city’s south side. They scooped her up, bag and all, and rushed her to the shelter.
“We’re so angry that this happened, but we’re also super grateful she’s here, we can treat her, and she’s alive,” said Christie Chipps Peters, RACC’s director.
Because of her hairless, wrinkled appearance, the team affectionately nicknamed her “the little walrus.” But soon, with proper care, she’ll start regrowing her fur — and perhaps reveal herself to be a Shih Tzu–Pekingese mix.
The shelter named her Annabelle, and despite all she’s endured, Peters says she’s “the happiest, sweetest dog.”
“She wags her tail constantly. We can bathe her, give her treatments — anything — and she just soaks up the love,” Peters said. “Animals that come from the most horrific situations often end up being the kindest to people. Their resiliency inspires us every day.”
For now, the focus is on healing Annabelle’s body, but RACC is also determined to find out who abandoned her. They’re asking anyone with information to step forward, as even one tip could lead to justice.
“It only takes one person to come forward,” Peters said. “We want to hold whoever did this accountable.”
Once she’s fully recovered, Annabelle will be ready for the loving forever home she’s always deserved.
If you have information about her case or are interested in adopting Annabelle, contact Richmond Animal Care and Control.
