5 weeks later, rescued dog Nova on road to recovery

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Nova, a dog who was taken in by the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter, is well on her way to recovery.

Nova was taken in by the shelter in July. At the time, she had a bad case of mange and severe front leg problems that hindered her ability to walk.

Shelter Executive Director Tammy Davis brought Nova to News Channel 11 for a live in-studio interview on July 23 . Despite her prior mistreatment, Nova appeared happy and playful under the care of the shelter staff.

On Friday, the shelter provided an update on Nova’s progress. The now-furry dog has been busy working with specialists to correct her legs.

“We went to Asheville to a specialist and they feel like her legs ended up that way simply because she had such poor nutrition and possibly she was living in a crate all her life since she’s been born,” Davis said.

According to Davis, Nova’s legs never appeared to cause her any pain. Shelter staff believe she won’t require surgery for her legs due to the improvement she’s already shown.

“We’re starting the physical therapy that they recommended in Asheville, and she is here and eventually, if we can give her up, we’ll be looking for a forever home for her,” Davis said. “But it’s going to have to be a very special person; obviously, we are so attached to her.”

Nova could be ready for adoption in a few months depending on her progress.

“She is the sweetest dog like we really think that she would be a good therapy dog for someone,” Davis said. “You know, even going to children’s hospitals or doing something showing that you can overcome.”

Davis said the shelter is considering conducting a DNA test on Nova to see what her genetic makeup is. When she arrived at the shelter, the staff had no way of even knowing what color her fur would be or what she would grow up to look like.

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