From Abandoned to Adored: Sick Puppy Rescued from the Cold Finds Strength—and a Name Inspired by a Tough NFL Team

Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society found the puppy curled up outside one of its buildings in January and feared the canine was dead at first

Gritty the dog

A sick puppy abandoned outside a Michigan animal adoption center has been given a new lease on life — and a new name honoring her home state’s NFL team.

Có thể là hình ảnh về đường phố

According to a Jan. 6 Facebook post from the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society (GPAAS) in Harper Woods, Mich., the dog, identified as a 6-month-old female, “was abandoned at the front door of our new APF building. It was found this morning on just a blanket. By its condition, we think it was there most of the night in the cold.”

Có thể là hình ảnh về chó

“I saw what I thought was a deceased dog curled up in a little ball in the entranceway of the building,” Corinne Martin, president of the nonprofit, recalled to ABC affiliate WXYZ.

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Regarding the animal’s physical condition, GPAAS noted in the aforementioned Facebook post that the dog was “covered in blood and couldn’t stand up because its feet were so swollen.”

Có thể là hình ảnh về chó

Later that same day, in a subsequent Facebook post, the shelter updated followers on the puppy’s condition, sharing that the dog had been diagnosed with generalized demodectic mange, which causes hair loss and dry, itchy skin. In response, veterinarians prescribed a course of antibiotics. The Harper Woods Veterinary Hospital also told GPAAS that the dog would remain in its care until healed but was expected to make a “full recovery.”

Gritty the dog

On Monday, Jan. 13, GPAAS shared a heartwarming update on Gritty. The once-sickly pup is progressing quickly on her recovery journey and has moved into a foster home with experience caring for dogs with special needs.

“She has begun that long road to recovery through antibiotics and medicated baths. Gritty is able to stand up, walk around, and go outside to urinate and poop,” the shelter shared. “Her ‘Never Give Up’ attitude will serve her well in this recovery process. Gritty has a very friendly temperament, which is amazing after all she’s been through. Our guess is that she will love to watch the Lions’ playoff game this weekend with her foster family.”