Stuart, FL — From burned paws on scorching asphalt to the comfort of a living room couch and a pink collar around her neck, Lulu, a 5-year-old American bulldog, has finally experienced what it’s like to live in a loving home.
Rescue Sparks from Heroic Strangers
“She was left to die in Miami,” said Lauren Provenzano, a Stuart resident who adopted Lulu after her rescue and recovery in February.
Lulu was discovered by Emily Loomis, a Chicago resident on vacation in Florida, on the night of February 23, near Biscayne National Park. Loomis recalled:
“By the look of her skinny body, burned skin and paws, and all cut up, we knew she must have been out there for days,” she told TCPalm.
“She jumped right into the passenger seat, panting and licking the hands and faces of her saviors.”
Despite Loomis’ efforts calling multiple contacts for help, rescues in the area were overwhelmed by the abandonment crisis, especially in the Florida Everglades, and unable to respond immediately.
Lulu’s Harsh Reality Before Rescue
Abandoned dogs like Lulu face numerous threats in the Everglades, including starvation, dehydration, mosquito-borne illnesses, and predators such as bobcats, panthers, coyotes, alligators, crocodiles, Burmese pythons, and poisonous toads. Vehicle strikes are also a common hazard.
At the time of her rescue, Lulu was severely underweight — 60 pounds instead of 80 — and suffering from:
- Cuts, burns, and anal sores
- A painful fistula
- A mammary tumor
- Allergies and missing teeth
“She stayed a week,” Provenzano said. “She had a lot of health issues, unfortunately, that we had to cure for her, and then I fell in love with her. I visited her every day and I decided to adopt her myself.”
Recovery and Care in Forever Home
Provenzano personally covered all veterinary expenses, including removal of Lulu’s tumor, spaying, antibiotics, immunosuppressive medicine, and proper nutrition. Lulu is now on track with her weight and overall health.
In her permanent home, she enjoys air-conditioning, a cozy bed, reliable food, and plays with her rescued siblings, Franklin and Liam. Wearing pink pajamas, she is finally safe and loved.
“She’s been through quite a bit,” Provenzano said. “She’s a good girl. If people learn from this, that’s the best thing. You got to do something, got to help.”
TCPalm reports that most abandoned pets in the Everglades are exposed to extreme dangers and require urgent attention from volunteers or adoptive families.
Guidance for Abandoned and Traumatized Dogs
Traumatized dogs often show emotional distress, but are rarely dangerous. Veterinarian Mary Bressman said:
“Dogs and cats like Lulu can definitely be affected emotionally. It’s tough living with that stress of missing their family that they knew before. They don’t know why they got dumped. They miss what they had before and they’re scared because they don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”
While incidents of aggression are rare, volunteers are urged to exercise caution with animals recovering from trauma, as demonstrated in past rare cases reported in South Florida.
