Gertrude’s journey began in a heartbreaking manner when she was left in a crate and abandoned in a parking lot in Colorado, alone and unable to free herself. Her only hope was that someone would notice her desperate situation and come to her aid.

Fortunately, a kind passerby noticed the lonely pup and quickly alerted Animal Protection & Control. The responding officers were met with a pitiful sight.

Gertrude was severely underweight, her ribs prominently showing through her skin, and much of her fur had fallen out. Her demeanor was one of complete despair, but her eyes sparked with newfound hope as the officers approached her.

Eager to help, the officers fed her, and Gertrude gratefully wolfed down the meal, occasionally looking up with gratitude. After her meal, she wagged her tail and seemed to express thanks for the compassion shown to her.

Gertrude was then taken to NOCO Humane in Loveland, Colorado, where veterinarians began treating her for demodex mange.

Despite her poor health, she warmly welcomed the veterinary team, who showered her with love and began the crucial task of nursing her back to health.

Gertrude was placed on a special diet to help her gain weight, and in a few weeks, she started to show signs of recovery. Her weight increased, and her fur began to regrow.

Just as she was nearing readiness for a new home, Gertrude faced another hurdle—a respiratory infection required her to be quarantined.

Despite the setback, she remained cheerful, her spirits lifting with each visit from the staff who attended to her needs. With ongoing medical attention and care, her health steadily improved.

Upon beating the infection, Gertrude was thrilled to interact with other dogs again and was deemed ready for adoption.

However, another challenge arose with the Alexander Mountain Fire, leading to evacuations in Larimer County. NOCO Humane, needing to make space for displaced animals, transferred Gertrude and 39 other animals to partnering shelters.

Gertrude was relocated to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs. Her previous caregivers were sad to see her leave but confident in the brighter days ahead for her.

At her new shelter, Gertrude quickly became a star. According to Cody Costra, the public relations manager, “I was there when Gertrude’s van came in, and the first thing we noticed was that she was just a bundle of joy.”

It wasn’t long before Gertrude captured the heart of a loving family who adopted her. After enduring so much hardship, Gertrude finally enjoys the love and care she always deserved.

Her difficult journey has led her to a fulfilling and happy life as she relishes the love and security she has found.

Today, Gertrude’s story is one of triumph over adversity, surrounded by the love she has longed for and the joyful life she now lives.