A family pet, named Diva, was dumped by her humans at the Lancaster Animal Control in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 25. As an owner-surrender, she became available that same day.

The 6-year-old pit bull is not in an emaciated state, but it appears her life wasn’t a pampered one, either. Her fur is dull and she seems to have a few bald patches. In spite of that, she still had a home, and the family that dumped her at one of Los Angeles’ high-kill shelter was her pack, nonetheless. That family was her world.

Now alone with unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells – without any of her pack members in sight – she’s scared. She’s terrified. Although her surroundings may be unfamiliar, she’s not dumb. She can sense heartbreak and despair. She can sense terror. She can smell death.

The animal control personnel with the camera in her hand needs an intake photo of her. He or she wants Diva to look as adoptable as possible so that maybe – hopefully – someone will have an interest to come into the shelter and pay her a visit.

So the photographer whistles, or makes kissy noises to get her attention to look into the lens of the camera. Typical of the canine species, Diva aims to please. She dutifully obliges by looking up towards the photographer. Good enough. Click! Diva’s face is frozen in time – and so is her expression. She looks tense. She’s “smiling,” but it’s a nervous smile. Her eyes are expressive. They show timidity and fear at the same time. 

Source: LAAS

Those who created and administer the facebook page, Friends of Lancaster Shelter, posted Diva’s photo on their page and wrote a plea to give her more exposure. Their plea reads:

Lancaster CA – #A5070607 LOOK AT THAT FACE! DUMPED! My name is Diva and I’m an approximately 6 year old female pit bull. I am already spayed. I have been at the Lancaster Animal Care Center since May 25, 2017. I am available on May 25, 2017. You can visit me at my temporary home at L224.

Lancaster Animal Care Center
5210 West Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 940-4191

PLEDGE POLICY! PLS READ if you are pledging on our page or want to collect pledges!
https://www.facebook.com/notes/friends-of-lancaster-shelter-dogs-ca/pledge-policy/1952433748326298/

Anyone interested in adopting Diva is urged to contact the Lancaster shelter. Information about her can also be found here. Anyone interested in making a pledge can do so by clicking here.