Watch the Moment This Starving Mastiff Finally Realizes She’s Being Rescued
A year-old Mastiff puppy who arrived at the shelter weighing nearly half her ideal body weight has completed a cross-country journey to a forever home, marking a major victory for local rescue advocates.
The puppy, named Dottie, was originally brought to Animal Friends of the Valleys under a law enforcement welfare check. Her recovery and subsequent adoption have captured the attention of thousands, leading to an unexpected reunion with a long-lost sibling.
A Case of Extreme Neglect
Dottie’s journey began under grim circumstances. She was surrendered to animal control after a family member reported a case of severe neglect involving a relative. When she arrived at the facility, Dottie weighed only 56 pounds. For a Mastiff of her age and frame, a healthy weight would typically exceed 100 pounds.
“It stops you in your tracks,” said pet advocate Rocky Kanaka, who sat with the puppy shortly after her intake. “She was the definition of emaciated. Her head was actually concave from muscle wasting. This wasn’t just a dog that missed a few meals; this was months of starvation.”
Dottie was processed under California Penal Code 597, which pertains to animal neglect and cruelty. Because of her fragile state, shelter staff had to implement a strict “re-feeding” protocol. Giving an emaciated dog unlimited food too quickly can be fatal, so Dottie was started on small, frequent meals to slowly restart her metabolism.
The Long Drive to Texas
Despite her physical condition, Dottie’s gentle temperament shone through in rescue videos shared online. Those videos reached Marsha and Todd, a couple living in Texas who felt an immediate connection to the dog.
Because Dottie was too large to fit in a standard airplane crate for transport, the couple decided to take matters into their own hands. They drove across the country to Southern California to meet the puppy in person. The meet-and-greet was a success, with Dottie showing immediate comfort around her new family.
“She finally feels safe enough to curl up in a ball and just rest,” Marsha shared in a recent update. Dottie is now living a “spoiled life” in Texas, where she is slowly gaining weight on a veterinarian-approved diet of high-quality food supplemented with fresh chicken and vegetables.
A Surprise Sibling Reunion
Shortly after Dottie left for Texas, a surprise twist emerged at the shelter. A second emaciated Mastiff puppy was brought in separately. Following a review of the intake records and physical traits, staff confirmed the new arrival, named Daisy, was Dottie’s sister.
The news of the “Mastiff Sisters” sparked a second wave of support. Before Daisy could even be featured in a formal rescue video, she was adopted by a woman named Shawna.
Today, the two sisters are both thriving in their respective homes. Marsha and Shawna have remained in contact, sharing photos and updates as the puppies grow. Both dogs are receiving treatment for “fly strike” wounds on their ears and are learning basic commands, proving that even after extreme trauma, a stable home can provide a complete mental and physical reset.
