One year later, abused Lab ready to be adopted

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- It was a year ago that an abused and neglected four-year-old Labrador dog ended up at the Arizona Humane Society.

At the time, Baby was frail and nearing death. A year later, however, a much different story, as Baby is ready to be adopted.

"Hoping a home with a large dog, she does get along with all dogs, but with small ones, she doesn't pay much attention to," said Bretta Nelson with Arizona Humane Society. "She's great with kids. When strangers come over, she tends to retreat a little bit."

Video of Baby, barely skin and bones and struggling to stand on her own, went viral a year ago.

"The physical you can overcome," said Nelson. "But with the emotional, the mental -- she will never be a normal dog again, and that was at the hands of a human and that makes me sick."

For Phoenix Police, even they were not immune to the emotion of this animal abuse case.

"There's been a few cases that actually will never leave my mind, and this is one of them," said Detective Heather Krimm with Phoenix Police.

Baby, now five years old, was nervous with all the cameras in the room on Wednesday, but she is on a better path. For animal care advocates, it also afforded them another chance to start a discussion.

"Baby's kind of the poster child for strengthening those laws," said Nelson.

Baby's former owner was convicted on animal cruelty charges, and she is currently serving a 45-day jail sentence, followed by 3-years of probation. The former owner will also have to pay a $3,000 fine.