Hope is what this week’s story is all about. Meet Esperanza, one of three dumped dogs found last summer along a highway in the Vistas. You might remember this neglected trio–though neglected is an understatement. They were utterly defeated, malnourished, and miserable, with itchy, inflamed skin and hundreds of infected lesions caused by foxtails. All three dogs were extremely sick, but Esperanza was the most forlorn. Her rehabilitation has been a gradual process. But the loving support of her tireless caregivers and Kitu’s Fund for high-cost medical care have brought hope and healing for this incredible dog. Esperanza is now facing a bright future and eagerly awaiting forever love. Make a difference for dogs like Esperanza: donate to Kitu’s Fund today!
Esperanza–Spanish for hope
Of the three neglected dogs found that day last June, one in particular needed an extra dose of hope. Esperanza was too emaciated to stand and disfigured almost past recognition. Like her fellow dumped dogs Rosa and Angus, Esperanza was suffering from sarcoptic mange and partly bald. We could only guess her to be a hound mix based on her droopy ears.
Even then, Esperanza (Espy for short) was ridiculously endearing: patient, sweet-tempered, and affectionate with everyone. Treatment included multiple sessions of foxtail removal at the vet, antibiotics, anti-itch meds, and medicated baths. Gradually, hope and healing rekindled her natural joy in life. Espy’s resilience and sense of humor endeared her to Sanctuary caregivers. It was bittersweet for everyone when she graduated to foster care for continued rehabilitation.
Bobbie Shultz has adopted and fostered several senior dogs, including our heartworm dog Rusty. Bobbie gave Rusty all the comforts of a loving home until his passing last autumn. Though Esperanza’s actually a young dog, she looks and acts more like a senior after everything she’s been through. Bobbie welcomed Espy with open arms and the two immediately hit it off.
The ultimate sofa hog
After several months in Bobbie’s loving care, Esperanza’s skin grew increasingly yeasty and irritated once more. Her weekly medicated baths were also proving a challenge for her caregiver. So longtime foster Maureen Horne took over for several weeks. When I caught up with them on Valentine’s Day, Maureen said Espy was itchy but incredibly chill and affectionate, “the kind of dog you can curl up and watch old movies with.” She loves everyone and gets along with everybody, including Maureen’s persnickety pack of heelers. Talk about a diamond in the ruff!
One funny thing about Espy is that she’s self-conscious on camera. While Maureen and I chatted, Espy stood there leaning against my leg. But when I crouched down to take pictures, she pretended she couldn’t see or hear me. Silly girl! Maybe she knew she wasn’t looking her best–though still a million times better than when I saw her last year.
A follow-up vet exam at the beginning of March revealed that Esperanza’s thyroid levels are low, causing her severe yeast infection. A new treatment regimen has already improved her overall energy and appearance. So much so, in fact, that Maureen has returned her to Bobbie’s care. Bobbie missed Espy terribly and Espy immediately reclaimed Bobbie’s sofa.
Kitu’s Fund brings hope and healing in longterm recoveries
We couldn’t help dogs like Esperanza without Kitu’s Fund. Kitu’s Fund provides the finances for emergency care like expensive surgeries–but that’s not all. It also brings hope and healing in long-term cases like Esperanza’s by covering the cost of medication, treatment and follow-up exams.
Help dogs like Esperanza by giving to our Kitu’s Fund 2026 campaign: help us reach our $8,000 goal.
Esperanza and her fellow dumped dogs Rosa and Angus are the sweetest dogs imaginable and will make treasured family members. They’re available to adopters who can provide extra TLC and continue their rehabilitation process. To meet Esperanza, Rosa, or Angus, submit an application and call the Adoption Center (530)842-0829 today.
