A few years ago, I saw this strange critter skittering across a highway near a local pueblo. I wasn't sure what kind of animal it was. It seemed too small for a dog and too big for a rodent. When an oncoming truck nearly hit the creature, I turned my car around and parked along side the road. I got out and tapped my legs, to see if it would come to me. It did.

I could smell the stench before picking it up. Full of mats and burrs, and who knows what else, the poor thing was a literal mess.

On closer inspection, I realized it truly was a dog and asked a nearby resident if he knew who it belonged to. He said, "People dump dogs there all the time - just take it."

I had no choice but to take the dog home with me. ( I wish I had photo of my husband's face when the disgustingly matted and stinky girl toddled up to meet him.)

After a visit to the vet and groomer, we opted to keep the 3 1/2 pound pup with a 3 1/2 ton personality.

Meet Zia, the star of the mystery, Upcycled to Death!