Shy Rhodesian Ridgeback Near Sacramento Is Ready to Heal in a Loving Forever Home

No matter where you live, there's a wide selection of shelter dogs waiting for a forever home near you. Whether you're looking for a tiny couch potato--a spudling, if you will--or a large-breed adventure buddy who can keep up with you on hikes, one of your nearby shelters will have a buddy for you. And if it doesn't happen today, it's only a matter of time.

Sally Lulu is a sweet Rhodesian Ridgeback who's looking for a forever home near Sacramento, California. This golden girl from the Golden State is as regal and gentle as can be, but that doesn't mean she's always had it easy. The poor pup arrived at Bradshaw Animal Shelter emaciated and shy, but now she's ready for a family of her very own.

What a beautiful dog! Sally Lulu's sleek brown coat looks stunning in the sunshine, and the smile on her face, as she trots around the animal shelter's play yard, is as sweet as can be. It's hard to believe that she's been waiting so long for the right person to come around!

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But until she finds her forever home, it's a relief to see that she's getting excellent care at the Bradshaw Animal Shelter. The underweight pup has been slowly putting on weight since arriving at the facility, and she's been making lots of human and doggie friends. The only thing you may notice is that limp in her leg, but she shows no sign of pain or complications!

The last puzzle piece that's left until she has a whole new 'leash' on life is finding that perfect person. But the good news is that this shelter dog may already be adopted! Her profile is no longer on the shelter's website, so my fingers are crossed that Sally Lulu is a rescue dog now.

Helping Dogs Gain Weight

Many veterinarians talk about the importance of avoiding canine obesity, but being severely underweight can be just as detrimental to a dog. Thankfully, Sally Lulu was rescued before she experienced major health problems, and the dog's rescuers knew exactly how to help her gain weight.

While it may be tempting to give a skinny dog tons of yummy food, the best thing you can do is to help them gain weight slowly. And remember--this may not always be necessary. Some dog breeds are naturally skinny! This helps avoid any excess stress on their body and can help both dog and caretaker get into the routine of healthy, consistent meals.

As a rule of thumb, it's always smart to visit your veterinarian to decide the best course of action for helping your underweight dog get to a healthier weight. They'll recommend the right dog foods and habits for you to practice at home, and then it's only a matter of time before your dog is feeling their best. Take it from Sally Lulu--it's worth the effort!

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