Starfish is a 10-year-old Labrador mix in Huntington, WV, who needs $1,500 for emergency care due to severe neglect.

One by One Animal Advocates says Starfish was saved from a house of horrors. "An animal control officer (ACO) was called to the house Starfish was living in to do a welfare check," Heather A., from the rescue, tells Waggle. "At first, he wasn't sure if a dog was even present; all he could see was piles of dog feces, trash, and dirty dishes. As he searched the upstairs, he stepped on a rotten board and fell to the floor below. He landed on a couch covered in feces."

Despite the terrifying ordeal, the ACO was not hurt and eventually found Starfish hiding in the hideous filth. He took her to the local animal shelter, and soon after, Starfish's owner surrendered the dog to officials. "It's crazy," Heather says. "We have no idea how many years Starfish lived in neglect, but her condition tells us it has been a long time. She is missing a lot of fur, and her skin beneath is leathery. She is covered in fleas and caked in feces. Her toenails have grown so long they curled back into the pads of her feet. Worst of all, she is missing teeth, and the empty spaces are packed with hair and dirt."

Sweet Starfish needs emergency care and surgery for her teeth; she is miserable and has trouble eating. The Proctorville Animal Clinic is taking great care of her. Starfish is coming out of her shell a bit since she was rescued, and once she is healthy, Heather thinks Starfish will make a wonderful companion for someone. "We look forward to showing her that life can be good and is meant to be enjoyed, but we need your help. Starfish is only one of many animals we are helping, and we cannot do it without the generosity of the Waggle community!"