A pit bull mix has become an internet sensation after being rescued from a Fulton County animal shelter.
Billie Jean was dropped off at an animal shelter when she was just weeks old. Beth Labauve of Animal Action Rescue stepped in when she found out via social media that Billie Jean was set to die.
"They thought she had a contagious type of mange called sarcoptic, which is very, very contagious to other dogs, so they didn't want her in their shelter, so their resolution was to put her to sleep. We decided to go ahead and take her on," Labauve said.
The mange turned out to be a common, non-contagious type.
Six weeks later this puppy has healed, her patched fur coat now filled in and the raw, irritated skin is gone.
That transformation, shared online, gathered thousands of "likes" from supporters across the country. Billie Jean is now a Facebook favorite.
"Without Facebook she probably wouldn't be here. She would have been overlooked for sure," said Labauve.
The online support helped fund the pup's medical treatment.
"People are very generous. And when they see a really cute picture of a dog that wasn't going to be here yesterday -- it helps," said Susie Jensen, the director of Animal Action Rescue.
The foster mom hopes that the added exposure will help lead to a permanent home for Billie Jean.
"Getting people's awareness out there has opened people's hearts up a lot," said Jensen.
Animal Action Rescue is now taking applications from those in Georgia who'd like to adopt Billie Jean. Click here for more information.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:56 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:56:14 GMT
Police are investigating a suspected rape at North Atlanta High School. Authorities say a male at the school raped a female student on campus during school hours.
Police are investigating a suspected rape at North Atlanta High School. Authorities say a male at the school raped a female student on campus during school hours.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:16 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:16:20 GMT
The owner of a proposed gun range squared off with some concerned residents at an Atlanta City Council meeting on Monday.
The owner of a proposed gun range squared off with some concerned residents at an Atlanta City Council meeting on Monday. The proposed gun range would be built in an old warehouse near Atlantic Station.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:28:23 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
Monday, May 20 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:30:03 GMT
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:05:22 GMT
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:32:24 GMT
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
(Photo courtesy Animal Action Rescue)
Billie Jean suffered from mange before being rescued.(Photo courtesy Animal Action Rescue)
