I was recently blessed with a bouncing baby girl........with a tail, lol!! I named her Fortza, which is the Italian word (forza) for "strength,"....and here's why:
Fortza was found tore up, scratched and emaciated in a dumpster with a litter (5) of day-old puppies. She was believed to have been a bait dog (used for dog fighting) based on her condition upon arriving at the Palmetto Animal Clinic. Apparently, a non-English speaking man saw the dog and her puppies in a dumpster somewhere in Palmetto, and brought all of them to the Palmetto Animal Clinic. My friend Estella Pena, made me aware of this dog/situation by tagging me in a Facebook post. I instantly offered to adopt this little angel after she was done nursing her pups. Unfortunately, Fortza was in such bad shape herself, she didnt have any immunity to pass on to her babies, so tragically they all passed away (Fading Puppy Syndrome). Fortza is only about a year and a half old.
I've been visiting Fortza for the past month at the Palmetto Animal Clinic where Paula Rowell and her awesome team nursed, trained and LOVED this little gal back to good health. Paula put soooo much of her time and heart into working with Fortza!! I'm the biggest fan of Paula's heart, and feel absolutely honored to know her. She's incredible, guys!!
Paula Rowell and her team at the Palmetto Animal Clinic have a non-profit, donation-based Angel Fund that is used to cover the cost of the medical recovery efforts for animals found in heartless situations, like Fortza. I'm happy to report that Fortza is gaining weight, full of energy and is an absolute lover. She never leaves my side, and falls asleep on me or in my arms every night. She's getting along incredibly well with the other dogs in my neighborhood!! She's a 'lil timid with people, but warms up instantly to women. She is still untrusting/fearful of men, but we are really working on it...just this evening she waggingly approached my (male) next door neighbor (who didn't even have treats!!)!! This 'lil mama is the epitome of strength and love. I'm in total awe of how trusting she is already, and how well she's acclimating to everyone and everything. Progress, not perfection is our goal, and baby steps will get us there. I'm so proud and completely honored to have this amazing little heartbeat as my new copilot on this journey!!
BRADENTON, FL
