MILWAUKEE — In October, a dog name Gemma was brought into the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC), an animal protection organization, with burns covering a portion of her body. Officials with MADACC believe she was intentionally set on fire.
"The skin was basically melting off," said Kate Hartland, the community engagement coordinator at MADACC.
Now, Gemma is in foster care and recovering from her injuries. However, during her time with MADACC, she won over the heart of many in our community.
When she was brought in, MADACC began sharing her story on their social media pages. They began with a video of Gemma who appeared to be full of energy and very happy.
"She almost didn't realize that it had happened to her. Her tail never stopped wagging, she never wanted to stop giving kisses, she was always jumping up and giving hugs," said Hartland.
When that video was posted, community members filled the comments with well-wishes, some even asking if they could adopt her or help pay for medical care. From there, the Gemma content continued.
MADACC began posting regular Gemma updates which shared what procedures she was having done as well as updates on her spirit. Plus, of course, adorable photos of Gemma as she recovers.
The first update was a sad one, as her condition had to worsen before it could get better. MADACC officials said she was on a number of meds and they made sure she was comfortable.
Gemma had severe burns on her ears, the inside of her mouth, and on the left side of her face as well as an infection. But after a couple of surgeries and having the burned tissue removed from her skin, Gemma started getting better each day.
Another update came about a week after Gemma showed up at MADACC. It said Gemma went under sedation so that her wounds could be treated. Doctor Bergeron, a veterinarian, removed damaged tissue from her wounds and sent it to a lab so they could identify any infections she has.
After the procedure, MADACC placed a fentanyl patch on Gemma so she wouldn't be in so much pain. The good news is MADACC said Gemma woke up wagging her tail.
And even better news, on Oct. 28, MADACC announced Gemma would be leaving for foster care.
Last week, MADACC shared another update saying Gemma is doing fantastic. She has come out of her shell and her fur and skin are slowly growing back. Her foster owner said she is very gentle in her play and knows "be gentle," "sit," and "paw" tricks.
MADACC said she still has a long way to go, but she is with a foster mom who knows how to treat injured animals. She also has a potential adopter, who also has experience treating injured dogs.
Rescuers say part of the reason why Gemma's healing so quickly is because of her foster mom. Meghan, an ER Veterinarian, came across a Facebook post about what happened to Gemma and knew she had to help.
"I do a lot of wound care and so I knew that I was maybe uniquely able to help her," said Meghan.
In just two weeks, Meghan helped Gemma blossom into the highly curious, loving, and energetic dog she is today. And soon she'll officially be adopted by one of Meghan's co-workers - who plans on giving her the life she deserves.
"Knowing that she's going to the home that she is, just makes my heart so happy."
MADACC says they still don't know who set Gemma on fire, but they believe her story serves as an extraordinary example of the huge heart each and every animal has.
"They have a very unique ability to love and to forgive and move on. Something I think that we humans could take a lot of lessons from," said Meghan.
If you'd like to help donate as Gemma continues to recover, go on Amazon wishlist and type in 'Gemma's Wish List' where her mom has posted the things Gemma is still in need of.
