Shiba Inu with a ‘heartbreaking' past is now learning to trust. She needs a home

Miami Herald

02-05-2025

A sweet pup was rescued from a horrifying animal abuse case, and now she's in need of a loving home with a human she can trust.
BethAnn, a Shiba Inu, was subjected to unimaginable cruelty with a pack of other dogs, until the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Philadelphia stepped into the picture.
'BethAnn's life before rescue was nothing short of heartbreaking,' the shelter said in a May 2 Facebook post. 'Her days were spent confined to a raised cage, surrounded by filth and excrement. And her eye, badly deformed from a condition left untreated for far too long, became a constant source of pain.
'But everything changed the day our Animal Law Enforcement team arrived.'
Nothing could have prepared the team for what was discovered.
'Acting on a tip from the dog warden, in less than 24 hours our officers served a warrant at an illegal kennel in Snyder County,' the shelter continued.
'What they found was devastating: multiple Shiba Inus, like BethAnn, and poodle-type mixes, all living in deplorable conditions. Some were injured. Most were terrified. None had known real care or compassion.'
The 6-year-old pup was taken in by the rescue along with the other dogs.
'Once at our Philadelphia headquarters, our veterinary team gave them all the medical attention they needed. After careful evaluation, they made the difficult decision to surgically remove BethAnn's damaged eye,' the shelter said.
'Each day since, she has taken one small step forward. She's beginning to trust again and to learn that life can be kind. Now, she's ready for her next chapter — a forever home.'
According to her pet profile, BethAnn is a shy but sweet girl once she gets to know people. She's a fan of being outdoors and gets along with 'dog-savvy kids and other pups.'
For more information, visit the shelter's website.