Jaime G., an ASPCA volunteer, was sitting at the airport waiting to board her flight home from our Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) when she texted a fellow volunteer that she wanted to adopt Lemon, a young Chihuahua-mix who was a resident at the CRC.

“Volunteering for the ASPCA really left a huge impression on me,” said Jaime. “On my last day of deployment, I was laying in bed thinking about how much of an impact those animals touched my heart. I thought about where they came from and where they would go next, after they left the CRC.”

Though she hadn’t worked directly with Lemon while volunteering at the CRC, Jaime heard a lot about her through other volunteers.

“I finally got to meet Lemon briefly before I left to go back home,” recalled Jaime. “She was super cute and friendly.”

So, before Jaime boarded her plane, she reached out about adoption.

Rescued From Cruelty

In February 2024, we were on the ground in Vernon Township, New Jersey, assisting in the removal of more than 90 maltreated dogs from the property of a self-described animal rescue. They were found living in filthy conditions among their own feces and urine and exposed to high levels of ammonia. Some of the dogs were underweight and had untreated medical conditions, like Lemon who had a severely injured eye.

The owners of the property were charged in a criminal complaint with six counts of animal cruelty charges relating to both the deceased dogs found on the property as well as the failure to provide the animals with the necessary care needed.

Following their rescue, we transported the dogs to the CRC to receive much needed medical and behavioral care.

Persevering Through Pain

When Lemon arrived at the CRC, she was one of the first dogs to undergo a full forensic evaluation due to her condition.

“We immediately noticed that her right eye was ruptured and extremely painful – given her young age and her other eye being normal, we can assume this was likely due to trauma,” explained Dr. Maggie Joel, a Veterinarian at the CRC. “We also noted that she was underweight with overgrown nails and intestinal parasites.”

Despite her severe pain, Lemon was brave during her intensive forensic exam and greeted Dr. Joel and her team with a wiggle and tail wag.

Given the progressive condition of her eye, Lemon’s only option for treatment was to remove the ruptured globe as quickly as possible.

“An enucleation, surgically removing an eye, for a dog is actually much less invasive than you would expect,” said Dr. Joel. “We typically see these animals have minimal complications, recover quickly and frequently feel quick relief from traumatic conditions like Lemon’s.”

Dr. Joel and her team were able to remove Lemon’s eye surgically and could tell she felt immediate relief. That very afternoon, she was up and bouncing around, showing off just how good she felt!

Due to Lemon’s age and overall health, her recovery went very smoothly. While she continued to heal, she also gained weight and was treated for her parasites.

Two weeks after her surgery, Lemon’s sutures were removed, and she was back to being a happy, energetic young dog.

“Lemon was lovely from the beginning,” Dr. Joel told us. “She tolerated her medical exams, treatments and handling like a pro. It was obvious once her eye was removed that she could go back to being her bright and happy self, learning to play with toys and build her confidence. Despite everything she went through, Lemon was able to persevere and never lost her spunk!”

Living the Squeezy Life

Lemon’s spunky personality carried over into her new home without missing a beat. She settled into Jaime’s home immediately and now feels comfortable wherever she goes.

“She’ll spend nights at grandma’s house, and we spend a lot of time in Wisconsin,” said Jaime. “Lemon is friendly with everyone and every dog she meets. Everyone who meets her just adores her and wants her around.”

She has made lots of new friends including her “boyfriend” Oso, a 2-year-old Pomeranian who lets her pull out every toy from his toybox and spread them all over the floor.

“Consensus is that she’s the number one dog in the neighborhood,” Jaime told us.

Though she has her own toys, Lemon loves playing with Oso’s toys, as well as Jaime’s slippers.

“She steals my slippers and brings them to another room,” said Jaime. “Every morning immediately after she wakes up, she thinks it’s playtime and insists we get out of bed.”

Having lost her previous two dogs three years ago, bringing Lemon home has added a lively spirit back into Jaime’s home.

“Lemon has brought the joy of having another friend around and I love her dearly,” Jaime told us. “I’m so proud to tell everyone who meets Lemon where she came from and that she’s a rescue!”

This holiday season, countless rescued animals like Lemon will be experiencing their first holiday surrounded by love, safety and care. Learn more about how ASPCA supporters make lifesaving second chances like these possible, and how you can join the season of second chances by visiting aspca.org/firstholiday.