NEW YORK — In what can only be described as a remarkable story of survival, Jewel the Warrior Princess has had the happiest of happy endings— she is now settling in comfortably in her forever home. We first brought you Jewel’s story in July, and at that time we didn’t know if she would ever find a home.
We spoke with Anna Aliano, Jewel’s foster mother, who describes her as simply amazing. She told me she believes Jewel’s story to be “one of hope.” Jewel was near death when she was found and the veterinarians that treated her knew just how grave her condition was. They feared the worst, but Rescue Dogs Rock NYC wasn’t about to give up on this Weimaraner puppy. The fact that she made it to foster care was a miracle. Jewel had something in her, something remarkable— she had an unwavering will to live.
READ MORE: JEWEL THE WARRIOR PRINCESS
Aliano describes Jewel’s mange as the worst she’s ever seen, but what was most alarming was Jewel’s level of starvation. She was severely malnourished and lacked the muscle mass required to stand, let alone take steps on her own.
Within a month she began to gain weight, putting on much needed muscle mass. The outstanding efforts of Aliano went a long way. Jewel was unable to eat traditional dog food, eating only chicken and rice for three weeks. And though Jewel had never been socialized with other dogs, with time and patience she was able to learn to take treats and even spend meal times together with her canine foster siblings.
Despite her harsh past, Jewel loves people. Described as a “natural with everyone,” Jewel’s passion is people. Aliano knew that Jewel’s forever home would have to be one where her family would include her in their daily activities.
The adopters chosen were a couple, Joe and Susan. She will have a constant companionship, as Joe is retired and intends on spending a great deal of time with his girl Jewel. He’s already planning peaceful afternoons paddling along the river. Aliano knows that they’re the perfect pair to give Jewel the love, safety, and security she had lacked in the early months of her life. Aliano says:
“I have no idea if she remembers her less than optimal start in life. Honestly, I think the dog she is now is the dog she’s always been. The difference between now and then is that she can live that life she was meant to live. A life full of love, adventure, and security.”
READ MORE: RESCUE DOGS ROCK ISSUES URGENT PLEA FOR HELP
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- Jewel at 7 months old.
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- Jewel and one of her best friends.
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- Jewel snuggled up and cozy.
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- Jewel Sunbathing
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- Jewel the Warrior Princess.
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- Jewel with her foster sister.
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- Jewel’s journey from foster family to forever home.
Today, Jewel is alive and thriving thanks to the efforts and determination of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, and the veterinarians and technicians that provided her with round-clock-care. Her case was a complicated one, but no one gave up hope and no one stopped fighting for her.
The kindness and generosity of strangers and The Grayter Good Weimaraner Rescue can’t be forgotten. Their combined efforts raised the thousands of dollars required for her complex medical care and rehabilitation.
Aliano’s house was the final step in Jewel’s recovery journey. She says fostering isn’t always “sunshine and roses, but it’s totally worth it.” When looking at Jewel, she’s amazed at how far she’s come, and though saying goodbye to Jewel wasn’t easy, knowing that she’s gone to a most perfect home is the happy ending she was hoping for. Within a few days Aliano received the following message from Susan and Joe:
“We want to thank all the loving people who have participated in helping Jewel through some extremely tough times so far in her young life. We will do our best to prove all your efforts were for a great cause, for a fantastic dog, that will enjoy a long happy life with her new forever family.”
Via Jewel’s Journey | Ann Aliano | Rescue Dogs Rock NYC (Facebook)
