Starved pup thrives with new friends and plenty of food

There’s no such thing as a “naughty list” when it comes to the animals here at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. They’re all wonderful. But if there were a nice list, Baja Blast would be at the top. He is super sweet, makes friends with everyone, and even shares his treats. Why is that such a big deal? Because, at one point in his life, Baja didn’t have any food at all.

When Baja was taken in by a shelter in New Mexico, he was emaciated and unable to walk well because of it. Shelter staff knew he needed extensive care, so they contacted Best Friends for assistance, and he was soon on his way to Utah. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary supports shelters in reaching no-kill by taking in pets who may need extra care before going to homes — pets like Baja Blast.

[Skinny dog blossoms in foster home]

Not only was this sweet, young pup emaciated, but he also had pressure sores on his elbows and hips. And if that weren’t enough, he was incontinent too. Best Friends veterinarians prescribed a special diet to help him get back to a healthy weight and calm his digestive system, medicine for the pressure sores, and therapy to help him with his muscle weakness.

Yet, throughout all of this, the creamy-white pooch with soulful eyes and floppy ears never lost his joyful spirit. “From the very beginning, he was always a super happy dog,” says Sharon Harney, one of Baja’s caregivers. “He just wants to be around people and is always so happy to see you. He loves being close to you and leaning on your legs. He’s such a sweetheart.”

Caregivers made sure he ate three yummy meals a day and kept him comfortable with tons of cozy blankets and beds to lie on while he healed. And in no time at all, his sores cleared up, his gorgeous coat regained its luster, and his skinny frame plumped up beautifully. His incontinence also improved.

[Skinny bundle-of-love dog gains weight, then a family]

“It's amazing to watch him now,” Sharon exclaims. “He was always happy, but seeing him go on walks and join playgroups with other dogs is incredible. And he plays now! He loves to play with soft squeaky toys and walks around squeaking them. It's just so wonderful to see his transformation.”

Today, Baja still doesn’t quite have full use of his rear legs, and he hops a bit like a bunny. But he certainly doesn’t let it slow him down. He spends his days joyfully playing with his doggy friends and sharing his snacks with them. And, as sweet as he is, it likely won’t be long until he’s sharing snacks with a new family in a loving home of his own.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.