Bellatrix who is now 3.2 years old is a fighter who came to the Shelter in February 2024 after being left in a box for approximately 2 weeks along a road traveled here in Muskingum County before being rescued. She was severely underweight, only weighing 23.3. She was kept in quarantine for several months as our staff worked diligently to save her. She was not expected to survive the first few weeks. She had blood transfusions and several hours of care daily by the shelter staff. We were able to do all this due to our giving and caring community who made donations so we could help her fight.

After several months of care, Bellatrix began to grow into a happy and active pup. After going through all treatments and vet care, it became noticeable that she had a limp and tenderness on her back leg. Bellatrix began medical treatments, and it appeared to permit her to be an active pup. Just a few months later, her other back leg began to show tenderness.

The Shelters vet staff began further treatment after viewing x-rays. There were three possible recommendations for the outcome for Bellatrix – adopt out with the injury, humane euthanasia or surgery. The Board of Directors made the decision that we would have surgery so that she could be a whole dog. We would not want to have her at our facility or possibly adopt her out with these known ailments/injuries. That is not what our 100% non-profit, adoptable, no-kill shelter is about. We are extremely transparent with our operations. We owe it to her and our community who assisted us in her care in February 2024. Bellatrix was diagnosed with a right/left partial cranial cruciate ligament tear. We do not know what causes some dogs to develop tearing in this ligament, but suspect it is multifactorial with early degeneration,

We appreciate all who support us and believe in our mission. What we do it exactly what we are doing now - Giving Bellatrix that faire fight. She was given the name Bellatrix as it is known as a female warrior. She is our warrior.

To donate you may use the donate button on our website, use our PayPal or Venmo @TheAnimalShelterSociety or mail 1430 Newark Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.