laika

Female - Mixed Breed

DOB: June 2023, Weight: TBD

We welcomed Laika into our care on June 18.

We don’t have a lot of information about Laika just yet, as we’re still waiting for Animal Welfare to provide us with her file. What we do know is that she was rescued from the streets of Valle Esmeralda (San Vicente) by the Green Patrol (Patrulla Verde). She was first taken to the government’s veterinarian before being transferred into our care, as Nayarit does not have a municipal animal shelter.

As you can see from the photos, Laika has TVT (Transmissible Venereal Tumor); another heartbreaking case of a preventable cancer. Had she been spayed, her risk of developing TVT would have been significantly lower.

For now, Laika remains in a kennel because TVT is contagious to other dogs through direct contact. She’s been able to get out for a few walks, but not nearly as many as she’d like because we’re very short on volunteers during the low season. She also tested positive for heartworm. She will not be able to start that treatment until she finishes her chemotherapy.

Despite everything she’s been through, Laika is an incredibly sweet girl (aren’t they all?).

We hope she’ll be starting chemotherapy next week, and we’ll be sure to share updates as she begins her treatment and takes the first steps toward her new life.