This is Sequoia

The phone in the Rescue Office rang. It was a maintenance employee, who was working on a home and found a neglected dog in the basement. "You can see every bone in her body," he said.

Our Rescue Officers arrived at the home and peered down the basement stairwell. A strong odor of urine arose, and and an emaciated dog stood in the shadows below. She skittered away when she saw us.

Upon descending the stairs we saw an entire floor lost under garbage, feces and urine puddles. No fresh food or water in sight. The young dog crawled beneath a table, making herself as small as possible, but eventually wriggled out with some coaxing.

We've named her Sequoia. Since arriving at our shelter, she's shown a voracious will to live and has already gained 5 lbs. The cowering pup from last week is gone -- she's now wagging her tail in delight every time we greet her. At times like this, it seems that such loving, forgiving creatures like Sequoia are more than humans deserve.

But we - and you - do all we can to undo the harm we see. Sequoia is less than a year old and has a whole life ahead of her, which will now be filled with love and comfort!

If you live in Washtenaw County and suspect animal abuse, injury or neglect, you can reach our Rescue Team at 734-661-3512.