Winter was abandoned in a parking lot and left to survive by eating gravel and whatever else she could find. She has been paying the price for that ever since. X-rays revealed a foreign object in her stomach, and because of her condition, she was euthanasia-listed at a high-kill shelter in Chatsworth, California. One week later… Winter had her first vet appointment this morning, and we finally have some good news to share. The best news of all: the metallic object and all of the rocks have completely moved through and are now out of her system. She is eating and drinking well. Winter also had a severe foxtail infestation. There were at least a dozen foxtails in her left ear. There were fewer in the right ear, but unfortunately they were deeper, and two were completely embedded in her eardrum. Her ears have now been cleaned out, and she is on pain medication and eardrops for the next week. She also has a couple of broken teeth, including one with a very nasty area that appears to have been infected at some point. That tooth will need to be removed as well. There is also a mass near her anus, but thankfully it appears to be scar tissue, likely from another foxtail. She had foxtails in her fur and skin everywhere. The encouraging news is that her bloodwork and urinalysis came back perfect. The vet believes she is likely closer to 8 years old, not 11. And despite how painful and uncomfortable she must have been, Winter never once snapped or growled. Even while frightened and hurting, she only alligator rolled through the exam. She is a really, really good girl. A truly wonderful dog. Winter has clearly suffered more than any dog ever should, yet her sweet spirit is still intact. Now she is finally safe, finally being cared for, and finally getting the chance she deserves.