this tiny tea cup chihuahua was found in a box in the parking lot of Danbury Fair mall. She is being called Pickles
NEW FAIRFIELD — New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare is asking for donations to provide much needed surgeries and medical care for a tea cup chihuahua found abandoned in the parking lot at Danbury Fair mall.
The dog, named Pickles by the shelter’s volunteers, has multiple fractures in her tail, her right hind leg and serious problems with her front feet. She is also severely malnourished, said Meg Rhodes, NFSAW manager.
“We’re waiting for results of some blood tests that were taken last night,” Rhodes said Tuesday. “They will show if Pickles has Cushing’s disease (a metabolism disorder).”
Pickles was found in a cardboard box Saturday night and brought to NFSAW. Her teeth were rotten and a number of teeth missing and she weighs only 3 pounds. Her age is estimated between 5 and 8 years. A tea cup chihuahua of her age should weigh 5 to 6 pounds, Rhodes said.
“I’ve never seen a dog so badly abused in all of my time here,” Rhodes said. “And she’s such a sweetie.”
Rhodes said Pickles will have to have about five different surgeries. Even with shelter discounts, the cost will be about $2,000, she said.
The dog’s owners are being sought to find out what other health conditions Pickles might have. Anyone who may recognize the dog is asked to contact NFSAW or the Danbury Police.
Donations for Pickles can be made by visiting the shelter website www.nfsaw.org and clicking on “The Sweet Pea Fund.” Donations made to the fund will go toward Pickles medical care.