In a poignant moment, Española Humane (EH) received a forlorn, neglected pup, a case so severe that it left the staff astonished.
Mattie Allen, EH’s director of communications, shared the profound impact, stating, ‘It took my breath away when I saw him.
The only way we could tell which end was which was because we could see his mouth.
In a compassionate rescue effort, local animal control officers intervened to save a dog confined in a small crate in someone’s yard, enduring prolonged neglect. Upon reaching EH, the devoted caregiving team swiftly initiated assistance for the distressed pup. Despite his evident fear and pain, the dedicated staff worked diligently to provide comfort. Mattie Allen, EH’s director of communications, described the heart-wrenching scene, noting, ‘He was absolutely terrified because he couldn’t see, and everything hurt. It was like every centimeter of his skin was just screaming in pain.’
Navigating with sensitivity, a team member devised a method to handle him without exacerbating his distress. Carried to the operating room, the pup was gently sedated, setting the stage for the formidable task of removing severely matted fur. Reflecting on the challenging process, Allen shared, ‘I think it took about an hour to shave it all off. It was 5 pounds of fur, which is mind-boggling when you think about how much fur would be in there to weigh that much
As Giuseppe awoke from the transformative surgery, the world greeted him anew, overwhelming his senses after a prolonged period of blindness. Mattie Allen, EH’s director of communications, described the poignant moment, expressing, ‘It was like he was in sensory overload because he couldn’t see for so long. He’s been very quietly sitting on his bed, just taking things in.’
Giuseppe’s metamorphosis extended beyond the removal of fur, revealing another hurdle—he grappled with severe obesity. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism by the veterinary team unveiled the root cause, slowing his metabolism and contributing to weight gain that now hampers his ability to walk and breathe comfortably
As Giuseppe embarks on a journey of recovery, his companions at Española Humane stand beside him, offering the precious gifts of time and love. Mattie Allen emphasized their dedication, stating, ‘He just needs time and love, and we feel very fortunate to be able to give him that.’
While Giuseppe isn’t yet prepared for his forever home, the empathetic team at Española Humane looks forward to the inevitable day when he will be. The prospect, bittersweet in its anticipation, fills them with joy as they envision the resilient pup thriving in the loving embrace of the family he has always deserved