Winter was abandoned in a parking lot and left to fend for herself, surviving on gravel and scraps. She made it out of a high-kill shelter after x-rays discovered a metallic object and rocks in her stomach, all of which have now passed. At the first vet exam, foxtails were found everywhere—inside both ears, with a couple even embedded in her eardrum, and scattered across her fur and skin. She's on pain medication and recovering. She also has a couple of broken teeth, including one with an old infection, and a mass near her anus—a piece of scar tissue left behind from another foxtail. Amid all of this, her bloodwork and urinalysis came back perfect, and the vet now estimates her age closer to 8 years old than 11. What's most striking isn't her survival story—it's her trust. Despite real pain and fear, Winter never snapped or growled; she just quietly endured the exams. She’s gentle, dignified, and remains playful and affectionate. Now safe in Prescott, AZ, Winter is finally getting the care and stability she’s always deserved. Think you are the one? Submit an application!