Rita German Shepherd Dog & Collie Mix Queen Creek, AZ

Rita
, our loyal companion, has been with us for quite some time. Now, we believe she is finally prepared to embark on the journey of finding her forever home. Rita arrived alongside a male German Shepherd, to whom she was deeply bonded. Fortunately, he quickly found his own loving family. For Rita, however, the transition was more challenging. It took her a while to discover her own identity and become comfortable without her companion.

But that wasn't the only obstacle she faced. When Rita first came to us, she was alarmingly thin. Initially, we suspected that her friend might have been consuming all her food, leaving her hungry. As a result, we decided to separate them. Despite receiving adequate nourishment, Rita continued to struggle with weight gain and lacked enthusiasm for eating.

In our pursuit of answers, we tested Rita for Valley Fever-a common ailment with symptoms including weight loss and loss of appetite. The test results returned weakly positive, prompting us to begin treatment. Typically, within a couple of weeks, there is a noticeable improvement in appetite and weight gain. However, Rita's progress remained slow.

Undeterred, we conducted a DNA test to explore whether she had any food sensitivities. The results revealed that we had unknowingly been feeding her the worst combination of foods. Adjusting her diet to one that she tolerates well has significantly improved her appetite, and she is finally putting on some weight. Remarkably, the recommended food is both common and affordable, already stocked in our pantry.

Now, we are actively seeking a new family for Rita. While she continues to build confidence, time and trust will be her allies. She's learning to walk on a leash, although passing cars still make her nervous during walks. When fear strikes, she tends to pancake-flattening herself to the ground.

Rita's journey toward a loving forever home is filled with hope and promise.

PLEASE e-mail (do not call) mike@caaronline.org for more information and to set up an appointment to adopt. Do not e-mail us with a request to call you, if you have a question, please ask in the e-mail.

All dogs are adopted on a first come - first served basis.

Central Arizona Animal Rescue is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation.

We are located in San Tan Valley, AZ.

If you have other dogs already, you must bring them for introduction prior to adoption.

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www.instagram.com/centralarizonaanimalrescue

Follow our YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/channel/UCp43a-ycLJ2BwsgW8hu6UVg

WE DO NOT TAKE OWNER SURRENDERS - If you are looking to surrender a dog, take them to the county animal control in the county you reside in. That is where we get all of our dogs we are trying to save.

Partial funding received for spaying & neutering the dogs of Central Arizona Animal Rescue received from the pet friendly Arizona license plates, get yours at Pet Friendly/Spay and Neuter | Department of Transportation (azdot.gov). You can also make a direct donation on your Arizona personal income tax, line 74 https://azdor.gov/forms/individual/form-140-resident-personal-income-tax-form-non-fillable-form

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