A pit bull mix has become an internet sensation after being rescued from a Fulton County animal shelter.
Billie Jean was dropped off at an animal shelter when she was just weeks old. Beth Labauve of Animal Action Rescue stepped in when she found out via social media that Billie Jean was set to die.
"They thought she had a contagious type of mange called sarcoptic, which is very, very contagious to other dogs, so they didn't want her in their shelter, so their resolution was to put her to sleep. We decided to go ahead and take her on," Labauve said.
The mange turned out to be a common, non-contagious type.
Six weeks later this puppy has healed, her patched fur coat now filled in and the raw, irritated skin is gone.
That transformation, shared online, gathered thousands of "likes" from supporters across the country. Billie Jean is now a Facebook favorite.
"Without Facebook she probably wouldn't be here. She would have been overlooked for sure," said Labauve.
The online support helped fund the pup's medical treatment.
"People are very generous. And when they see a really cute picture of a dog that wasn't going to be here yesterday -- it helps," said Susie Jensen, the director of Animal Action Rescue.
The foster mom hopes that the added exposure will help lead to a permanent home for Billie Jean.
"Getting people's awareness out there has opened people's hearts up a lot," said Jensen.
Animal Action Rescue is now taking applications from those in Georgia who'd like to adopt Billie Jean. Click here for more information.
Rick Barron will take over next month as Fulton County's new elections chief, as the department continues to deal with a state investigation into problems at the polls.
Rick Barron will take over next month as Fulton County's new elections chief, as the department continues to deal with a state investigation into problems at the polls.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:17 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:17:55 GMT
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
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Thursday, May 23 2013 1:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:55:29 GMT
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy.
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy. They say he was approached by a man as he got off his school bus on Wednesday, and that man pulled him into a pickup truck. He was able to escape, but the suspect is still on the loose.
(Photo courtesy Animal Action Rescue)
Billie Jean suffered from mange before being rescued.(Photo courtesy Animal Action Rescue)
