Frieda came to Protectors of Animals in December 2022 from a local Animal Control facility. She had been found dumped on the side of the road in terrible condition – emaciated, missing large quantities of fur, and overwhelmingly smelled of infection. 
Frieda’s eyes showed defeat; she was tired and clearly neglected for far too long. Our veterinary partner diagnosed her with severe skin infections and ear infections. The volunteers showered Frieda with attention and the hands-on care that she needed (twice weekly medicated baths, numerous medications, special hypoallergenic diet). Slowly, we saw Frieda beginning to heal. As she felt better, we saw unusual behaviors from her that were deeply anxiety driven. Frieda was diagnosed with Canine Compulsive Disorder (essentially Doggy OCD where her reactions to normal everyday stimuli were excessive and caused her much distress). After several weeks of private boarding/training with a professional dog trainer and consistent training exercises with our volunteers, Frieda was a much happier, calmer pup. Her physical issues were behind her – or so we thought. When the warm weather arrived in the beginning of May (and all the pollen and environmental allergies that come with it), Frieda became increasingly itchy and was almost constantly licking, scratching, and chewing her skin despite all of the medical interventions that had been trialed.
Frieda was even seen by a dermatologist, but over the summer required a weeklong hospitalization due to the severe wounds that she had self-inflicted to her skin. Frieda has been our project for many months requiring different medications to treat recurrent skin infections and allergies. She has undergone skin cytologies, skin cultures, and skin biopsies. Frieda spent almost 4 months wearing an Elizabethan Collar to protect her head and ears from self-inflicted skin trauma. She has been seen by our veterinary partner every few weeks to adjust her treatment plan. Finally, Frieda is comfortable, E-collar free, with her skin issues well-controlled. To date, Frieda’s medical care and training has cost almost $7000. People may say, “why invest so much time and money into just one dog?” Because Frieda has shown us that she is a fighter with an incredible will to live. Through it all, we have seen Frieda evolve into a sweet, affectionate dog who loves her walks (almost as much as she loves food!). Frieda is now ready to find her adopters and the happily-ever-after that she so deserves.