Dog Found in Flea, Feces-Infested Basement Gains Weight, Starts To Walk

MEDIA–Positive news comes from Precious, a. Precious has gained weight since coming to the Delaware County SPCA in critical condition.

According to Justina Calgiano, director of community relations at the Delco SPCA, Precious first came to the animal shelter weighing in at 19 pounds and unable to walk.

As of Tuesday morning, Precious weighed in at 26 pounds and has began to walk. She should weigh approximately 45-50 pounds.

"We took her for her very first walk outside today [Monday], a very slow, very short walk. She’s extremely gentle and very trusting of the people caring for her," said Calgiano in an update to Patch over email.

According to Calgiano, Precious receives three regular meals a day and is under the care of Dr. Kim Boudwin, the Director of Shelter Medicineat Delco SPCA. In addition, Precious has received a few special visitors.

On Saturday, June 23, the Delco SPCA posted:

Precious got a special visit from Philadelphia-based independent filmmaker Michael James Murray today who is going to put together a piece that will show the world how special our girl is. She melted in his hands, as you can see. It's amazing to see how resilient she is with all different people. Michael James documented many things; among them, her walking around the Isolation Unit (usually following around her ISO momma Elenor), getting weighed (she's 25.2 pounds today!) and eating one of her daily three meals.

Precious was found when the hot water heater burst in the basement of a Chester home. Repair workers found the skeletal frame of a barely-alive dog amidst the water, debris, fleas and feces. When she was found, she was unable to walk and put her head up.

Precious' former owner was cited on June 14 with two animal cruelty offenses: failure to provide sustenance (lack of feeding) and failure to provide veterinary care.

For anyone interested in donating to Precious’ care, donations can be made at http://delcospca.org/donations/ or by sending a check to the Delco SPCA at 555 Sandy Bank Road in Media, PA 19063. Checks can be made out to the Delaware County SPCA with a note that the funds are for Precious’ care.