Abandoned in a Cardboard Box: Yorkie Sisters Pippa and Polly’s Journey to Healing Will Melt Your Heart
Rocky Kanaka, a well-known animal advocate, YouTuber, and founder of Flip’s Farm—a dog rescue dedicated to rehabilitation—spends countless hours connecting with shelter dogs. Each dog has a unique story; some are shy, others outgoing, some confused, and a few, like Pippa, seem to plead for help with their presence alone.
Pippa, a Yorkie mix, crossed Rocky’s path just two days after being surrendered to the shelter in a night drop. Her condition was heartbreaking. Most of her fur was gone, and the few remaining patches were matted and filthy. Her skin was raw, covered in scabs, and so inflamed that even the gentlest touch caused pain.
A medical exam revealed more challenges—severe dental disease and overgrown nails added to Pippa’s discomfort. Though only eight years old, her neglected state made her appear far older, resembling a frail 15-year-old dog.
Despite her pitiful condition, Pippa accepted treats from Rocky, and even let him pet her. She instantly warmed to him, and Rocky couldn’t help falling for her, too. Now, he wanted more information—how could this sweet little dog have been dumped in such terrible condition?
The shelter had surveillance video of the people who had dropped Pippa off, and as Rocky watched, he made a shocking discovery.
Two Dogs Abandoned in a Taped-Up Cardboard Box
Night drops are built-in drop-off points designed for use outside of regular shelter hours. If someone finds a dog in the middle of the night and can’t keep them, or someone needs to surrender a dog in an emergency, night drops allow them to do so safely. Shelters require you to fill out information before putting a dog in one of the secure kennels, which are open on two sides: one outdoors, and one in the shelter. In the morning, shelter staff retrieve the dogs with their intake information. Unfortunately, some people abuse or take advantage of this system.
Not only did the people who dropped off Pippa not fill out any information, but they also clearly didn’t care about her comfort or safety. Pippa was brought to the shelter night drop in a taped-up cardboard box, then wrapped in a towel and put into the night drop kennel. But Pippa wasn’t alone—her owners dropped off a second dog, too, and Rocky realized Pippa has a sister.
Rocky Meets Polly: Terrified Yorkie Cowering in Corner
Polly—the dog surrendered with Pippa in the cardboard box—didn’t warm up to Rocky during their first session together. Polly was very fearful and growled at Rocky even before he got into her kennel. During their first meeting, Polly simply cowered in the corner, avoiding eye contact and refusing treats.
Although she was in better shape than Pippa, Polly was also suffering from skin issues, likely caused by allergies, and her fur was dirty and matted. The pain from her skin and unkempt fur was probably making the meeting with Rocky even more stressful for Polly.
Determined to be 5 years old, a little younger than Pippa, Polly was struggling without her older sister’s presence. Rocky could tell Polly and Pippa were bonded and they had to be reunited, but it couldn’t happen in the shelter so Rocky decided these little girls were coming to his rescue, Flip’s Farm.
Makeover Time: Pippa & Polly Get Groomed
Pippa will probably look similar to Polly when her fur grows back, but before that can happen her skin needs to heal. To help her get some relief from the painful skin issues she has been experiencing and to clean and de-mat her remaining fur, Rocky enlisted the help of Mel, a shelter groomer.
Mel has had years of experience, and she has just what it takes to keep nervous dogs calm while getting them cleaned up. Pippa went first, starting with a bath to address her painful, irritated, scab-covered skin. After a good cleaning, Mel removed the mats from her fur, did a little trimming, and put a bow in Pippa’s fur—she was already starting to look much better!
Next up was Polly, who had snapped at Rocky when he tried to pet her the first time they met. Now, after a little decompression time and in the gentle hands of Mel, Polly was sweet and cooperative. She did perfectly during her bath, under the scary drier, during her trim, and even gave Mel some kisses when it was all over.
Now, this pair was looking and feeling fresh, and it was time to make the journey to Flip’s Farm for their reunion.
Yorkie Sisters Have a Heartwarming Reunion
Once Rocky got Pippa and Polly back to Flip’s Farm, he wasted no time having them reunite. In a cozy room set up for the pair with beds and blankets, each dog was let out of their kennel, and you could tell they were relieved to see each other. Poppa and Polly greeted each other gently, and almost instantly settled into beds next to each other, content that their worlds were whole again. Bonded pairs of dogs rely on each other, and Pippa and Polly only truly began to relax and feel safe when they were in each other’s presence.
Once Pippa and Polly heal, they will be available for adoption together, so they can enjoy the love, comfort, and safety they have never received but always deserved. Keep an eye out for updates on these sweet girls—Rocky is going to have a DNA test done to determine if they are sisters. What do you think? My guess is mother and daughter, but one thing’s for sure: these sweet dogs love each other!
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