It’s well established that a therapy pet can be both a useful medical device and a soothing companion. Therapy pets have become more common, aiding people with everything from PTSD to diabetes. Many people could benefit from a therapy pet. However, wait lists are long, and the training is time-consuming and expensive. Often, therapy dogs are purebreds. But, rescue dogs are still capable of becoming certified.
We love the story of Jake, a rescued Pit Bull previously considered unadoptable, who found new life as a therapy pet. However, most of these pets don’t have histories as rough as that of Mara, a rescued mixed breed. Mara is working as a therapy dog – just as the court finds her previous owner guilty of animal abuse.
Therapy pet survives house of horrors
Mara is a therapy dog for children with special needs. She works to help children improve their confidence and feel comfortable socializing. This pup’s cheerful demeanor would never lead you to believe she had survived abuse. However, Mara has had to overcome horrific mistreatment in her past.
An affidavit obtained by NBC 5 said a witness called the police at about midnight on July 10, 2022, and reported seeing a man outside of the Keller Library throwing things at a medium-sized dog. When the police arrived, they heard the dog whining and a man shouting. The officer then saw the man, who was on a playground, pick up the dog.
He then slammed her down first onto a nearby car, then onto the ground. According to the affidavit, the man then lifted the dog off of the ground by her leash and strung her over the monkey bars. When the officers approached, the man finally released the dog.
Justice is being served
Animal control officers took custody of the dog. According to court documents, caretakers determined that Mara had scarring from previous injuries. Additionally, the nails on her back paws had been forcefully removed.
Now, around a year from Mara’s rescue, her abuser is finally held accountable. On April 27, a Tarrant County court found Arin Bright, Mara’s previous owner, guilty of animal cruelty. Sentencing for the case is still underway.
