This dog was given to an animal shelter. It was the type of shelter where animals are put to sleep if they are not adopted within a few days. That is the rule even for healthy animals. But this dog was stricken with a deadly tumor weighing more than 10 pounds!
So was the Weimaraner delivered: with an incredibly large tumor on his stomach. One can only crudely imagine how painful it must have been to carry this foreign body around. He couldn’t even stand up on his own anymore.
The vets estimated that the he must have carried this tumor around inside for more than a year. It’s unbelievable that he managed to survive with this burden.
Since Weimaraners are a very rare breed, the benevolent society “Tickled Pink Weimaraner Rescue” took an interest in the dog. The organization specializes i rescuing dogs of this breed.
Despite the good intentions of the organization, the chances were not good for the dog. The organization’s representative had two difficult decisions to make: either to spare the animal from its suffering or to subject it to a likely arduous and dangerous operation without knowing whether the tumor was malignant. And who would cover the exorbitant costs?
They decided to take the dog with them to a clinic and consulted several doctors who, unfortunately, could not make the decision easier.
But then something transpired that gave them crystal-clear clarity. After an hourlong examination, the dog stood up and approached his rescuers. In his eyes burned the unbridled will to live. The solution was clear: he would be operated on! Luckily, his sad tale was able to mobilize enough people so that donations covered the costs.
The unbelievable: the tumor weighed 12 pounds and must have grown for an eternity, for Gilbert Grape - as he was newly christened - found it hard to walk without it. His body had obviously adjusted to the weight of the tumor, leading to a malaligned hip.
But nonetheless: Gilbert was happy. Finally, someone had helped him. And with his powerful will, he will surely master his therapy. In the meantime, he is able to gleefully roll around on his back for the first time in what must be an eternity. These little signs of joy and wellness are rewards for his helpers.
And as it turns out, Gilbert is even luckier than anyone could have ever epxected: Gilbert has been adopted and has found a new home! Thanks to his rescuers and countless supporters, Gilbert is able to lead a happy and healthy life.
And again: valiant helpers are able to save the day when everything seems hopeless. Unfortunately, this presents the inconvenient question: why must poor animals suffer for so long before something happens?
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