Leaving a dog chained up outdoors is one of the worst things a pet owner can do. For some reason, certain owners still think it's acceptable to leave your dog vulnerable to the weather and totally alone.

Violet the pitbull was left in just this kind of situation. When her rescuers found her she was sunburned and infected with maggots from living in a filthy doghouse.

The rubber collar on her chain leash had even left a black mark around her neck.

Angela Stell, whose organization NMDog rescued Violet and 5 other dogs from the same property, says that Violet probably wore that heavy chain her entire life.

NMDog specializes in rescuing New Mexico's "forgotten dogs," which is exactly what Violet was.

Her owner had been sent to jail, leaving the property owner to care for his dogs. It's doubtful that anyone was even feeding Violet every day.

But there were other signs poor Violet hadn't been cared for. She would duck when anyone raised their hand near her.

"I can't imagine what somebody did to maker her do that," Stell told the Dodo.

Click the next page to see what Violet looks like today!

With help from a team of loving vets and volunteers, Violet is slowly adjusting to the big wide world she's been kept away from her whole life.

She still needs lots of medical attention, and to be spayed, but in a few months she'll be looking for a new forever home with a lucky adoptive family.

Until then, she's learning to socialize, and "just learning about the world around her, and not being chained anymore," says Stell.

Violet even has an adorable friend, her stuffed raccoon friend. Although, she's still "shy," and won't let anybody watch her play with it.

If you want to learn more about NMDog or support them, check their website. You can also adopt Violet soon, if you live in New Mexico.

Click here to see another dog's incredible transformation!

[H/T: The Dodo]

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