In Mexicali, Mexico, rescuers encountered a street dog with hundreds of ticks clustered on her ears, an alarming condition suggesting she had been without basic care for far too long.
Then a fast-moving rescue effort gave sweet Princess the break she needed.
Here's what to know
Princess' case gained broader notice after Carolina Mora began speaking up for her, according to iHeartDogs, and Loving PAWSabilities, Inc. put out an urgent request for assistance. Rescuers said she had been surviving on the streets even though she reportedly had an owner who was failing to care for her.
Her ears were among the most alarming signs of what she had endured. Rescuers said hundreds of ticks were attached there, while the rest of her body also showed signs of extended hardship.
For a dog already living outdoors, that kind of infestation can quickly become far more serious than simple discomfort. Ticks can spread disease, and a heavy infestation may also contribute to blood loss, skin damage, and other health complications, especially in young, older, malnourished, or otherwise weakened animals.
Rescuers said that, despite her condition, Princess still appeared open to human kindness, a response that helped galvanize efforts to intervene.
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More background
Getting her to safety meant more than simply taking her off the street. It required medical evaluation, transportation planning, a safe destination, and people willing to coordinate across borders.
Loving PAWSabilities hoped to eventually bring Princess to foster care in Southern California, but first she needed immediate help in Mexicali. Supporters were urged to share her story so it might reach someone able to help.
The rescue's appeal centered on two words: "One yes." In animal rescue, that can mean the difference between a dog remaining unseen and finally getting treatment, shelter, and a path forward.
What's being done?
Princess was eventually brought in from the streets to a veterinarian in Mexicali so her condition could be evaluated and the next steps determined.
Loving PAWSabilities later said Princess had joined its rescue family, and plans were underway to move her to a foster home in Southern California. Instead of facing her condition alone, she now has people responsible for her care.
Princess still has a recovery ahead of her, and the full effects of neglect may take time to understand. Now, at minimum, she is no longer out on the street waiting to be helped. As the rescue put it, "Princess got her YES."
Where can I learn more?
Princess' ordeal is a reminder that tick exposure can become a medical emergency fast, whether it's a neglected street dog or a person spending time outdoors. The articles below look at that risk from a few angles, from Lyme disease concerns in Montana to newer tick-borne illnesses drawing warnings around the U.S.
• In Montana, veterinarians warned a dog's Lyme disease signaled a growing tick threat.
• Across multiple U.S. states, debilitating tick disease cases have raised alarm about missed exposure.
• U.S. officials sounded alarms after the Asian longhorned tick raised ehrlichiosis concerns.
They also help explain why Princess' infestation was so serious beyond the immediate signs of neglect. Heavy tick exposure can signal wider health risks for animals and people alike.
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