Meet Iris, a 2 year old Pit Bull mix that has been given a second chance at life. 

The Plano Police Department brought Iris into Kendall County Animal Control in July after a concerned citizen had called stating their neighbor’s dog had been running at large and that the dog was very thin.  That was an understatement.  When the police arrived at the yard Iris had wandered into, she was so desperately hungry that she was licking the burnt crumbs off of the homeowner’s grill. 

Iris weighed a mere 26 pounds when she arrived at Animal Control.  This would be a healthy weight for a Beagle but certainly not for a larger dog like Iris.  She was completely malnourished.

Iris was immediately transported to Countryside Veterinary Clinic to be examined.  Her body condition score was one of the lowest they had ever seen, with her hips, spine, and every bone visibly protruding from her body.  She was dirty, had sores on her body, and smelled like garbage.  Even so Iris quietly scooted next to everyone who was helping to examine her and gave them a soft kiss, as if to say thank you because she knew she had been saved.

Back at Animal Control, Iris quickly started gaining weight, adding 6 pounds in the first week alone.  Although Iris’ physical recovery was seemingly very fast, the legal side of her ordeal took much longer.  But with the determined efforts of the Plano Police Department and the Kendall County State’s Attorney office, a judge finally gave the order last week that Iris was not to return to her owner. 

“First and foremost I would like to sincerely thank the concern citizen who alerted Animal Control and the Police about Iris’ plight.  Second, I would like to wholeheartedly thank the Plano Police Department and the Kendall County State’s Attorney office for all of their hard work on this case.  This is a huge victory not only for Iris but for all the animals in Kendall County.  Animal neglect and abuse is a serious offense and the law enforcement agencies in this county take these investigations very seriously,” stated Anna Payton, Animal Control Warden.       

Iris currently weighs a healthy 45 pounds and is available for adoption.  Despite all she has been through, she has never shown any signs of food aggression and passed her temperament test with flying colors.  Iris loves to play with toys and she will happily play with anyone she meets or entertain herself for hours on end.  She is truly a joy to watch.  “Iris is the perfect example of how resilient and forgiving dogs are despite what was done to them in the past,” said Payton.

Iris is spayed, up to date on her vaccines, and microchipped.  All she needs now is her forever home to complete her happy ending.

For more information on Iris or the other animals available for adoption at Kendall County Animal Control, please visit www.co.kendall.il.us/animal_control or call 630-553-9256. 

Special thanks to the Kendall County Animal Control for the release and photos.