Meet Norma: a sweet Shih Tzu whose story begins in a difficult place. Back in December, someone found Norma running loose near a gas station. The Good Samaritan grabbed the pup and took her to Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) Danville Center. When rescue staff members saw Norma, they almost couldn’t believe their eyes.
“She was severely matted and had a ruptured tendon in her back leg, as well as severe eye abnormalities,” Pennsylvania SPCA wrote in a Facebook post about Norma. “There was no question that this tiny pup had been suffering for some time.”
Rescuers couldn’t help but feel terrible for Norma. They prepared to do everything possible to save her life.
“My heart sank when I laid eyes on her,” a representative from PSPCA Danville told The Dodo. “I immediately scooped her up and ran her over to our clinic to begin the process of dematting her. Norma was scared. I could tell the mats were painful for her, but she was very tolerant of us.”
A veterinary team gave Norma a full examination and came to the difficult conclusion that they’d need to remove her eyes. But Norma didn’t have to worry — her new friends would be with her through every step of the surgery and recovery journey.
After the procedure, Norma moved in with an experienced foster mom. For three months, she healed physically and emotionally, learning how to live as a blind dog. Eventually, her true personality began revealing itself.
“The timid dog I met back in late December turned out to be one of the snuggliest dogs [I’ve] ever met,” the representative said. “She just wanted to lay on laps and warm them. She craves to be held, petted and loved.”
Once fully recovered, Norma set out to find her permanent home. It wasn’t long before she met her person.
“We were passionate to ensure she would find her happily-ever-after,” the representative said. “We put feelers out in the community for an adoptive home and found her the best momma. She was a Shih Tzu lover who had recently lost her little Shih Tzu. She was looking for a dog in need that she could love.”
Today, Norma’s life is easier than ever. The pup who once struggled to survive near a gas station is now lazing the days away with her adoring mom.
“Norma is doing great!” the representative said. “She is living her best life in her new home. Her momma keeps us updated regularly. We can tell Norma hit the lottery and will live the rest of her life only knowing love.”
