Scared, maggot-infested dog, Mash, nursed back to health and adopted GOOCHLAND, VA, August 10, 2020— Goochland County Animal Protection was recently called to pick-up a small, long-haired, dog that had wandered into a local citizens yard. When, after several nights the dog was caught and brought into the new Goochland Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, Mash was scared, unapproachable, and infested with fleas, ticks, and maggots.  Mash was literally being eaten alive.  “When Mash first entered the shelter, he clearly did not know we only wanted to help him,” stated Veterinarian Dr. Lori Elliott. Dr. Elliott continued, “After more than two hours of de-matting and flushing out live maggots that had eaten into his skin, we gave Mash a medicated bath and started him on antibiotics, flea and tick medication and pain control. The next time he saw us, he flopped over showing us his healing belly with a tail wag and a lick.” Mash has been adopted, and is already living his best life, thanks to his adopter, Goochland County Animal Protection, and Goochland Pet Lovers. Goochland Pet Lovers, through its Dr. Lori L. Elliott Medical Fund, provided funding to cover the cost of the grooming clippers and medications needed to bring Mash back to good health. “To be able to help a dog who is dirty, sick, and scared have a chance at living a life filled with care, love, and safety is why we do what we do. This is the kind of work our donors, sponsors, and volunteers are supporting,” said an emotional Sara Grattan, Chair of Goochland Pet Lovers.  Maggot infestation is not only gross but very quickly can make a pet sick. When a pet has maggots, it is important to get them to a vet immediately where the vet can clip and clean the underlying cause and safely remove the maggots. The best method for keeping maggots off a pet is preventing them. Keeping pets well-groomed with clean bedding helps to eliminate suitable places for flies to lay their eggs (resulting in maggots which are fly larvae). In addition, if a pet has an open wound, it is best to keep them inside until they are healed.  For more information about Goochland Pet Lovers, visit www.goochlandpetlovers.com.  For more information about Goochland County Animal Protection, visit https://www.goochlandva.us/299/Animal-Protection.



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