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Abused senior dog adopted from Pima Animal Care Center

Posted at 3:05 PM, Aug 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-29 08:27:18-04

The Pima Animal Care Center has announced that Maya, a 14-year-old dog who came to the shelter in May with several medical issues has been adopted.

PACC announced Maya yesterday and by today she had already found a home.

Maya found a home with another senior Shih Tzu with one eye named Shamu.

Truly a match made in doggy heaven.

PACC officials say when Maya came to the shelter she was suffering from severe emaciation, long-neglected infections and a maggot infestation. 

When Maya's former owner surrendered her to PACC, the owner said she was "too dirty" to be inside with their child and asked for her to be euthanized. 

PACC officials say Maya's coat was a continuous mat filled with feces, burrs and maggots. She was suffering from starvation, eye infections and severe dental disease. 

Instead of euthanasia, PACC's medical team provided her with required medication to begin healing and shaved her. 

PACC officials say one of Maya's eyes could be saved, the other had been neglected for so long that doctors had to remove it.

Donations from the community allowed PACC's medical team to clean her teeth and remove the ones that were causing her pain. 

PACC says she is now "happy, healthy and ready for adoption."

“Maya is a wonderful example of how, because of our community’s support, we can save our community’s neediest pets,” said Karen Hollish in a press release. Hollish serves as PACC’s director of development and marketing. “Now all she needs is a loving forever home.”

Maya's former owner was cited by PACC for cruelty and neglect for failure to provide medical care. 

Officials say this citation carries a fine of up to $2,500, jail time of up to 6 months, and probation of up to 3 years.

City Court records show that the former owned pled not guilty and that she has been ordered to take an educational class on proper pet care. 

PACC says that Maya's weight has increased by more than 41 percent from 7.3 pounds to 10.3 pounds. Officials say she is energetic and gets along well with other dogs and cats.

The "perfect home" for Maya would be with a retired person who has "lots of time to spend with her" and will give her space when she needs to feel safe. 

Maya will be up for adoption at Pima Animal Care Center at 4000 North Silverbell Road at 12 p.m. Friday.