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Va. woman desperate to find dying Mastiff home: ‘She’s suffered all her life’

Posted at 3:02 PM, Mar 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-10 21:40:23-05

MANASSAS, Va. -- A woman who recently rescued a dying Mastiff is hoping someone will adopt the dog since she cannot keep the animal.

Maretza Abelenda, who rescued "Dmitria" two weeks ago, learned Wednesday her landlord will not allow the large dog to remain in her tiny apartment.

"She told me, 'I give you three weeks. If you don't get the dog out, you have to move, too,'" Abelenda told WUSA.

At 144 pounds, it is hard to imagine a dog much bigger, but "Dmitria" wears the scars of a life hard lived with years likely spent as a breeder in a puppy mill.

She also has a cancerous tumor in her left eye. Veterinarians told Abelenda the dog does not have much time left.

"Dmitria"

"Dmitria"

"He say maybe two months or six months. If she have a good, good life – maybe one year. We never know," Abelenda said.

Maretza, and the family she works for, is sharing her story in hopes someone will make "Dmitria's" final days special.

"I don't know how to explain in English, but I want the days she have left be happy, because she's suffered all her life," Abelenda said.

The dog is looking for a forever home -- even if forever isn't all that long.

Serious inquiries about adopting Dmitria should be directed to Brian Kainec.

"Dmitria"

"Dmitria"