Meet Mia
Mia is a 4-year-old, 35 lb red heeler with a heart that is somehow even bigger than her story.
After getting out one day, she returned home unable to use her back legs - and sadly, no medical care was sought for months. Mia had been dragging herself, leaving wounds on her back legs and living in a way no dog ever should. When Mia first arrived to us, she couldn't walk more than a couple steps without falling. It was clear she had gone far too long without the care she deserved.
And yet... Mia never stopped loving people or trying her hardest to adopt.
With supportive medical care - including steroids, bladder support medications, and surgery to treat early pyometra - Mia has made incredible progress. She now has motor function and pain sensation in her back legs and can walk on her own, though she may still fall, especially when she gets tired. One leg is a bit weaker than the other, and she has some remaining neurological deficits, but she continues to adapt and improve.
What life with Mia looks like
Mia is not a high-energy heeler - she's the opposite. She's happiest lounging in the sun, curled up next to her people, or soaking up all the love she can get. She doesn't need long walks or big adventures. She just wants you.
She will need a home that understands her physical needs:
May need help getting into cars or onto higher surfaces
Can do some stairs depending on setup (may need spotting)
Should have her feet protected on rough surfaces
Occasional accidents due to bladder challenges - improving with medication, but adopters should be prepared to continue working with a vet
We don't know exactly what caused Mia's injury, and getting definitive answers would require advanced imaging and a neurology consult. What we do know is this: she has come so far, and she's ready to be loved exactly as she is.
The perfect home for Mia
Lower-energy, patient home
Someone comfortable with a special-needs dog
No cats recommended (her heeler instincts + awkward play style)
Mia has lived in a home with kids in her previous home and in foster, but supervision is important with any real littles - she can lose balance and accidentally knock them over
Not ideal for apartments (she can be vocal if she hears a bunch of excitement outside!)
A few Mia-isms (because she's still a heeler )
VERY food motivated
Will bark at outside noises, people, and passing cars
Not a fan of vacuums
Mild food guarding - easily managed by feeding separately in her crate
Sleeps great in her crate
For those who have met Mia, one thing is universally agreed upon:
She is pure love.
She is the kind of dog who bonds deeply, who looks at you like you are her entire world, who doesn't need perfection - just someone willing to show her the life she always deserved.
Mia has already been through more than most dogs ever should.
Now it's her turn for the good part.
This sweet girl deserves a chance. We know the unknowns might make you scroll on, but we promise if you meet her in person and see just how special she is, you will see just how worthy she is of a loving forever home. She will bring joy to your life, and without a doubt is the missing piece your home is looking for to be complete.
Mia is eligible for our foster to adopt program, meaning you can take a couple weeks getting to know each other in your home before making it official.
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If you're interested in adopting, please apply online at mscrescue.org/adopt. Once approved, we'll work with you to ensure it's a great fit-and if it's not, no worries! We'll help you find the right match.
All of our dogs are adoption-ready and come:
Spayed or neutered
Heartworm tested
Dewormed
Up-to-date on prevention medications
Up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines
Microchipped
With a coupon for a free Simply Dub collar from Dubdog Designs
ALI
Akita
🇺🇸
Lenexa, Kansas
female, medium, young
Akita
Lenexa, Kansas
