We received an urgent phone call regarding a helpless dog trapped in a canal. Without delay, we headed to the site for two crucial reasons: first, it’s not safe nor hygienic for any animal to be stranded in an exposed drain, especially when it starts raining. Secondly, someone had already alerted the police, and we knew that such cases are often passed on to the pound, where the chances of survival are slim to none. Upon arrival, we discovered that the unfortunate canine had been hit by a vehicle and subsequently tumbled into the ditch. With her hind legs paralyzed, she was unable to free herself from the predicament.
Upon arriving at the location, we were met with a heart-wrenching sight. The dog lay motionless in the canal, caked in mud and water, with barely enough energy to lift her head. We approached with care, hoping to offer some comfort and solace to the poor creature. Initially, she was hesitant of our presence, but as we began to stroke her, she gradually relaxed. Our primary objective was to remove her from the canal, but we couldn’t afford to exacerbate her injuries. With some perseverance, we succeeded in hauling her onto our truck.
We transported her to the nearest veterinary clinic, where she underwent an extensive examination. The veterinarian reported that her spine and legs had sustained severe damage, rendering her paralyzed from the waist down. Her case wasn’t helped by the fact that she was severely malnourished, having gone without any sustenance for many days. From all indications, it appeared as though she had been abandoned there to perish.
Over time, we observed a noticeable transformation in the demeanor of the formerly mild-mannered dog. She turned into an aggressive animal who growled at anyone who tried to approach her, including the hospital personnel. We were conscious that this was not her true nature but rather the fallout of the trauma that had arisen from being hit by a car and left to die in a canal.
With the optimistic aspiration that she would conquer her traumatic experience and learn to trust again, we gave her the name Hope. It was a grueling recuperation process, but thanks to the support and assistance from the hospital staff and our volunteers, we began to see promising developments. To assist her in gaining weight and nourishment, Hope was put on a specialized feeding plan. In addition, physical therapy was administered to strengthen her muscles and restore some of her physical mobility.
Although Hope had made some headway, she was still displaying aggressive and erratic behavior. It was clear that physical rehabilitation alone wasn’t enough, and we needed to go the extra mile to help her. That’s why we turned to a behavioral specialist who could aid her in conquering her fears and aggression.
Over the course of several weeks, the specialist employed positive reinforcement methods to help Hope associate humans with pleasant interactions. The results were astounding. Hope began to exhibit less hostility and a greater willingness to engage with people. Witnessing such a remarkable transformation filled us with optimism about what lay ahead for her.
Hope underwent several months of rehabilitation before she was deemed fit for adoption. We were initially overwhelmed with the number of inquiries we received from people who were touched by her story and wanted to give her a forever home. However, given Hope’s past, we knew that she needed someone with a special kind of patience and understanding. Finally, we found the perfect match in Mary, a retired nurse who had prior experience working with traumatized animals. Mary and Hope instantly connected, and we were confident that with Mary’s guidance, Hope would be able to overcome any obstacles in her way.
Hope is now a transformed pup, exhibiting playfulness and fondness. She eagerly greets her human family while wagging her tail. Trusting again has become possible for her, and she is now even serving as a therapy dog who brings comfort to the needy in hospitals and schools. Her journey from being traumatized and helpless to becoming a confident and loving companion is truly inspiring.
