When rescuers first encountered Princess, it was immediately clear that the young dog had been through an enormous amount of suffering.

The approximately 1½- to 2-year-old street dog was found in Mexicali, Mexico, suffering from severe neglect and a dangerous infestation of hundreds of ticks around her ears.

Despite everything her body had endured, rescuers noticed something that surprised them.

Princess was still gentle.

She continued to show affection toward the people trying to help her, even while dealing with the physical consequences of her condition.

The California-based rescue group Loving PAWSabilities learned about Princess and moved quickly to help.

A Southern California resident, Carolina Mora, responded to the rescue’s urgent request for assistance, helping give Princess access to the veterinary care she desperately needed.

Her recovery will not happen overnight.

After living through neglect and the effects of a serious parasite infestation, Princess needs time, treatment and a safe environment.

But rescuers say there is an encouraging part of her story.

She has not lost her trust in people.

That detail has touched many animal lovers who have followed her case.

Princess is now looking for a foster home in Southern California, where she can continue recovering while waiting for a permanent family.

Her story is a painful reminder of what some abandoned animals endure long before anyone notices them.

But it is also a story about what happens when someone finally does.