Boston Saves Dolly: Starving Pit Bull Now Healing

A starving dog too weak to lift her head is now wagging her tail thanks to Boston's animal heroes.

On January 10, someone brought an emaciated stray pit bull mix to an MSPCA-Angell shelter after finding her near Lexington, Massachusetts. The 2-year-old dog scored the lowest possible point on veterinary body condition scales, meaning she was as thin as a dog could be and still be alive.

Staff immediately transferred her to the Intensive Care Unit at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, where they named her Dolly. "When this dog came in, she was unbelievably thin and too weak to stand up," said Mike Keiley, vice president of MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division.

Dolly's challenges went beyond starvation. She suffered seizures, likely caused by dangerously low blood sugar, and developed internal bleeding that required a blood transfusion. Wounds covered her tail and paws from her time on the streets.

The medical team crafted a careful recovery plan focused on three goals: managing her seizures, treating internal bleeding, and slowly reintroducing food through a specialized refeeding program. Feeding a starving animal too quickly can cause fatal complications, so veterinarians gradually increase portions over time.

Sunny's Take

Here's what makes Dolly's story truly special: despite everything she's endured, her care team describes her as "incredibly sweet." That resilience touches everyone working to save her life.

The 24-hour intensive care she's receiving represents dozens of people choosing to fight for one dog who never gave up on humans. From the person who found her and brought her to safety, to the veterinarians spending sleepless nights monitoring her condition, Dolly is surrounded by compassion.

Dolly's doctors describe her status as "positive but guarded." She still can't stand or walk on her own, and she faces potential surgery for her internal bleeding. But every day brings small victories: a little more food, fewer seizures, stronger vital signs.

Once Dolly gains enough strength to walk and her medical issues stabilize, she'll graduate from intensive care. Eventually, she'll move to a foster home and then find a forever family who will show her the love she's always deserved.

Meanwhile, MSPCA-Angell investigators are working to learn more about Dolly's past and what led to her dire condition.

For now, Dolly rests in expert hands, proving that even the most broken spirits can heal with enough care and love.