A call that left Brittany Faske, a volunteer with the rescue organisation ADORE (All Dogs Official Rescue Enterprise of Houston), anxious came in January. A construction worker in Houston, Texas, noticed an injured Pit Bull with half of its face missing. According to the man, the dog hid in the bush and refused to allow anyone approach too close.
The woman was taken aback by the call and rushed to the spot. When she discovered the dog beside a ditch among the bags of food leftovers and old tyres, she realised he was in far worse condition than she had anticipated. The dog was in such horrible shape that she thought the best she could do was relieve his agony.
“This once-beautiful, big, and strong dog had been reduced to almost nothing.” He was so skinny that his ribs, hip bones, and backbone were clearly visible beneath his skin, in addition to his injuries. “He was covered in dirt and very weak,” Brittany explained to The Dodo.
The dog made a warning growl as she approached, but it didn’t startle her. She didn’t expect a different reaction from him, given the situation he was in and everything he had to go through and suffer through to remain that way.
After a while, the dog let Brittany to approach close enough to examine her injuries. The animal’s nose and snout were missing, and what was left hung in front of her face.
Brittany instantly realised it couldn’t have been an accident because the cut was so straight it could only have been made with a sharp instrument. So, that dog scenario was most likely the act of a human being, possibly the same one who left him lying there. In addition to the horrific sight of the wounds, the dog reeked of infection.
Brittany took Apollo, the dog she named, to the veterinarian after gaining his trust. Despite appearing to be in excruciating pain, the dog managed to relax and even fall asleep in the woman’s car. However, he was not yet fully safe.
The dog required immediate medical attention, and Brittany was unsure if he could handle the therapies that were to follow. However, when Apollo arrived at the clinic, he trotted around the waiting area, sniffing people and interacting with the other dogs.
Apollo had heartworm, a disorder that arises when parasitic worms move through a dog’s tissues to its heart and can lead to death if left untreated, in addition to his facial injuries.
Brittany and the vet placed food and water in front of Apollo to determine his quality of life and ability to eat properly. He could have a shot if he can do it.
Apollo ate two bowls of food and water without hesitation. Then Apollo approached the woman who had saved him and rested his head on her leg. “From that moment on, we knew he wasn’t just any dog,” Brittany explained.
Apollo eventually underwent reconstructive surgery. The dog’s exterior nose had been removed, but he still had a nasal cavity through which he could breathe. During the procedure, the veterinarian wrapped a skin graft around the exposed bone in Apollo’s nasal cavity to protect what was left of his nose. While the vet had to remove part of the dog’s top jaw and some teeth, he was still able to maintain enough of his mouth for him to eat and drink regularly.
Meanwhile, Brittany had not considered adopting the dog; she was simply concerned with the surgery and the dog’s recovery. She knew, though, that she and Apollo had formed a special link that was growing stronger by the day.
Brittany introduced Apollo to her other dogs, two males over the age of ten. “They were powerful breeds with volatile temperaments.” Two old men who are grumpy. I wasn’t sure if they could take another dog. “They were used to being just the two of them and were very protective of me,” she explained.
Once again, Apollo outperformed Brittany’s expectations. Apollo not only accepted the new dog, but he also adored the elder dogs. Another surprise element about Apollo was that he enjoyed being among others, which was unexpected given what he had been through. After that, Brittany made the obvious decision to officially adopt Apollo.
Apollo now lives a full life despite his facial injuries. His repaired nose functioned like any other dog’s nose, allowing him to breathe, smell, and sneeze normally. His reconstructed jaw does not prevent him from eating or playing.
Apollo enjoys cuddling up in the recliner with Brittany and watching TV, playing with his dog brothers, eating, and sunbathing. Furthermore, the dog received personalised training sessions at a Total Control K9 College K9 course, where he attends classes every Saturday and appears to like it.
Apollo was able to overcome his emotional traumas thanks to Brittany’s devotion, which also made him a very caring and affectionate dog. “I’ve never met a happier dog.” “You can see their trust and love in their eyes,” Brittany says.
Sad shelter puppy becomes ecstatic when the firefighter who saved her shows up to adopt her
It’s a heartbreaking reality that some people can abandon their dogs, leaving them to fend for themselves in the harshest conditions. Yet, in the midst of these tales of abandonment and neglect, there are always shining examples of compassion and hope that remind us of the goodness in the world.
The story of Chunkie, a sad shelter puppy, is one such tale that warms the heart and reaffirms our faith in humanity.
Chunkie’s journey began in despair. She was chained and left exposed to the elements, a heartbreaking sight that no dog should ever endure. But fate had other plans for her, and her guardian angel appeared in the form of firefighter Mike Thawley from Sacramento’s Fire Station 14. When he stumbled upon Chunkie, weak, ill, and tied to a post in the pouring rain, he knew he couldn’t simply walk away.
Mike’s first act of kindness was to clean her up and ensure she received the immediate care she so desperately needed. He rushed her to the Front Street Animal Shelter, refusing to abandon her in her time of need.
Upon examination, it became clear that Chunkie had a severe case of mange, and her skin was in a terrible state. However, the dedicated staff at the shelter wasted no time in treating her ailments and providing her with warm clothing to protect her delicate skin. It was evident to everyone that Chunkie was immensely grateful for her newfound safety and care.
But what tugged at the heartstrings even more was the bond that had formed between Chunkie and her rescuer, Mike. Their connection was undeniable, and it was clear that Chunkie had grown fond of the firefighter who had saved her life.
The touching moment of reunion between Chunkie and Mike, captured on camera, melted hearts and brought tears of joy. It was a testament to the deep bond that can develop between humans and animals, forged through acts of kindness and compassion.
In a heartwarming twist to this tale, firefighter Mike Thawley decided to make Chunkie a permanent part of his family. It was a moment of celebration as Chunkie transitioned from a life of despair and uncertainty to one filled with love, care, and companionship.
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Chunkie’s story is a shining example of the difference one person can make in the life of an abandoned and suffering animal. It’s a reminder that compassion knows no bounds, and it can transform lives in the most unexpected ways.
As we celebrate this heartwarming rescue and reunion, let us also use it as a reminder of the countless animals around the world who need our help and compassion. By sharing this story, we can spread awareness and support for all dogs, reminding the world that every pup deserves a chance at a loving home.
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