German Shepherd Elisa: From the backyard to hoping for a happy ending!

German Shepherd Elisa: From the backyard to hoping for a happy ending!

The cute four-legged friend Elisa, an eight-year-old German Shepherd, has a tragic past behind her. Until recently she lived in the backyard of a restaurant in Roth. Her everyday life was characterized by inflammation and pain while she slept on a barren wooden pallet. The circumstances under which Elisa lived were anything but species-appropriate and she only experienced the dark side of a dog's life. But now there is hope for this suffering animal.

The turning point in Elisa's life began when an attentive woman who often dined in the restaurant learned of the dog's unfortunate fate. The innkeeper, her previous owner, planned to close the restaurant soon and was desperately looking for a new home for Elisa. However, it quickly became clear that no one had noticed the treasure in the backyard. The woman discovered Elisa in a distressing state - the dog lady was friendly, despite the obvious pain she was in due to her crippled paw.

Elisa finds help

The attentive woman didn't hesitate and immediately jumped into action. She contacted Tierhilfe Franken e.V., and chairwoman Carmen Baur quickly confirmed that the dog could be taken in. This is how Elisa was allowed to live in a care home. But the road to recovery is bumpy. During her initial examination, it became clear that Elisa needed urgent treatment; her vaccinations were overdue and the condition of her paw was worrying.

X-rays revealed that there were still loose screws and plates in her leg. These were a remnant of past injuries and had to be removed immediately to prevent further inflammation. The orthopedist initially expressed concerns about whether the leg could be saved or whether amputation would be necessary. She ultimately underwent surgery on October 14th and the plates and screws were successfully removed. The good news: Amputation is no longer an option for the time being.

Call for donations for Elisa's future

But Elisa needs more than just medical care. She cannot keep her foster mother, who has been looking after her until now, forever due to lack of space. Tierhilfe Franken places the animals with foster families who are generally unable to keep a dog long-term. While the organization covers the costs of treatment and accommodation, finding a new, loving home for Elisa will be a challenge.

Animal aid relies on donations, especially in Elisa's case, as the animal's health is associated with high costs and logistical challenges. In addition, the helpers often have to travel long distances to take Elisa to her appointments with various veterinarians. Carmen Baur dutifully describes the situation: “We are doing crazy things” to ensure that Elisa receives the best possible care.

Anyone who would like to help provide Elisa with a new home and the necessary medical help can find the necessary information on the Tierhilfe Franken website. Despite her difficult past, Elisa has not lost her unshakable charm. Carmen Baur sums it up nicely: "She runs up to you and laughs. Just being nice!" Hopefully this wonderful dog will soon find the happiness she so richly deserves.

For further information about Elisa, her treatment and Tierhilfe Franken, see the current reporting on www.nordbayern.de.