FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) – A dog in Floyd County is recovering after what was likely a very rough start in life.

Rescuers believe she was used for lab testing before being left in a county dump partially paralyzed.

The pup has been named Dixie Rose.

Candice Theis with the Rescue Freedom Project says while they don’t know exactly what she’s been through, a marking tattooed in her ear means she was likely tested on in a lab.

“I mean look at her, just…it tears me up to think about it. It never gets easy,” said Theis.

She says Dixie was found in a dump in Floyd County with her back legs paralyzed. The Floyd County Animal Shelter then handed her over to Rescue Freedom.

“It’s heart wrenching because there are ways around this. You don’t have to dump them. We have shelters out there in place for this,” said Theis.

Now Dixie has a long road ahead of her. She’ll need surgery and rehab, but there’s a chance she can run again.

“There’s high hope there that she will but it’s going to take some time,” said Theis.

On Sunday Theis dropped her off with her new foster parents in Lexington so she can begin the healing process.

But Dixie will need a permanent home and her medical treatment will be pricey.

Theis says after what she’s been through the amazing thing is that Dixie’s tail still wags and she has lots of love to give. Now she needs a loving forever home.

“She’s happy even with not being able to run full speed as a beagle,” said Theis.

Original Article: Lex 18