Paralyzed Dog Abandoned At Dumpster Never Thought Anyone Would Find Her

When Susanna was finally discovered, she had nearly lost all will to live.
Heartlessly discarded by her owner in a well-known Florida dumping area, the young dog was found curled beside a dumpster, barely able to move. She was severely underweight, weak, and infested with ticks and fleas. Her body was so frail she couldn’t even lift her head or stand.

Animal rescuer Isabel Zapata, who frequently searches these locations for abandoned pets, stumbled upon Susanna in early May. Upon seeing her condition, she quickly contacted Gulfstream Guardian Angels Rottweiler Rescue, who didn’t hesitate to offer help.
On the day she was found, Susanna was lying helpless next to the dumpster | GGARR
“This area is notorious for being a death trap for abandoned animals,” Laurie Kardon, a member of the rescue board, told The Dodo. “It’s extremely dangerous with speeding trucks constantly passing by. It’s devastating—so many animals never make it out.”

Since Susanna couldn’t walk on her own, Zapata and a few helpers used a tarp to gently lift her into their vehicle. Her condition was critical—but she was now in caring hands.
The team hurried Susanna to the nearest animal clinic, where she was given fluids and underwent blood tests. At first, she appeared to be paralyzed, and the cause was unclear. There was uncertainty about whether she’d ever regain the ability to walk.
Susanna undergoing treatment at the veterinary clinic | GGARR
After several days of testing and stabilizing her condition, Susanna was transferred to Clint Moore Animal Hospital in Boca Raton. As the medical staff reviewed her results, they slowly began to piece together the tragic puzzle of her past.

Her spine and bones showed no signs of injury. However, the reason she couldn’t walk seemed to be linked to long-term mistreatment.
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“She had some arthritis and noticeable leg deformities,” Kardon explained. “It’s very likely she had been crammed into a small crate since she was a puppy. She was probably confined most of her life and bred repeatedly. When she could no longer be used, they simply threw her away.”
At just three years old, Susanna had endured a lifetime of suffering. But despite everything, she showed she hadn’t given up.

“The first time I met her, she raised her head and gave me a lick on the face,” Kardon said. “In that moment, I knew—this girl wants to survive. And we were going to fight with her every step of the way.”
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Together, the rescue organization and veterinary team developed a plan for her recovery. They introduced her to high-quality food to rebuild her strength, and once she was ready, she’d begin physical therapy.
To ease her discomfort, she was also started on medication to relieve the pain in her weakened joints and muscles.
Kardon with Susanna | GGARR
With good nutrition and a lot of love, Susanna slowly began to regain her energy. Just over a week after being rescued, she was brought to a rehab pool for her first water therapy session.
To everyone’s amazement, she started walking through the water.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” Kardon said. “It was such a powerful moment.”

Susanna taking steps in the hydrotherapy pool | GGARR
Her veterinary team now made it a point to take her to the pool regularly, giving her a safe space to stretch and regain mobility.
The spark in her eyes returned, and she began wagging her tail whenever someone approached.
Susanna, Kardon, and the Clint Moore Animal Hospital team | GGARR
Despite all she’d been through, Susanna’s gentle and joyful nature shone through. She welcomed everyone with love.
“She’s just so full of happiness,” Kardon shared. “It might be the very first time in her life that she’s felt truly safe and cared for.”
Susanna relaxing with a vet team member | GGARR
Thanks to continued laser therapy and regular sessions in the water, Susanna’s legs became stronger, and the pain became more manageable.
Now, more than a month after her rescue, she has enough strength to meet and interact with other dogs. She’s enjoying the experience and gets along with them all.

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She’s also found joy in simple things—like rolling in the grass, something she may never have experienced before being saved.
Witnessing Susanna’s transformation, Kardon is optimistic that soon she’ll be ready to move into a forever home. Until then, she remains in awe of the dog’s resilient spirit—one that lights up every space she enters.
Kardon with Susanna | GGARR
“She’s a beautiful example of what her breed represents,” Kardon said. “She’s tough, determined, and courageous, but also incredibly affectionate and gentle. Susanna truly embodies the heart of a Rottweiler.”