“Everyone immediately felt we needed to help her.”
In a quiet pumpkin patch in Otoe County, Nebraska, a young black puppy named Zephyr was fighting to survive. Weak, emaciated, and barely able to move, the 9-month-old pup lay among the pumpkins, her ribs pressing against her skin.
Luckily, a kind passerby spotted her struggling and rushed her to a nearby veterinary clinic. From there, local officials reached out to the Capital Humane Society for help — and the team didn’t hesitate to step in.
“We received an urgent plea to rescue this 9-month-old puppy who was found starving and emaciated,” Capital Humane Society wrote on Facebook.
Executive director Matt Madcharo immediately shared Zephyr’s story with his staff. “Everyone immediately felt we needed to help her,” he told The Dodo.
Now in the care of Kansas State Veterinary Hospital, Zephyr’s recovery is nothing short of inspiring. She’s already gained weight, learned to walk again, and begun using the bathroom on her own. Despite all she’s endured, her sweet spirit remains unbroken.
“She always greets everyone who visits her with tail wags,” Madcharo said. “She likes her head to be pet and is a very, very sweet girl!”
Zephyr can now walk about 10 to 15 steps by herself — a huge milestone for the pup who once couldn’t stand. With continued treatment and support from the community, her veterinarians are optimistic she’ll make a full recovery.
Once Zephyr no longer needs a feeding tube, she’ll begin the search for a foster family. And when she’s ready, she’ll find the forever home she’s always deserved.
“As long as there are no other issues that present themselves, she should make a full recovery and find a loving home when she is ready!” Madcharo said.