Nothing is as bad as an animal that only knows suffering. In such moments, I am so thankful for veterinarians that help sick, hurt, and abused animals, and for the volunteers that pluck up their courage to help animals others when no one else can. The following pictures are pretty difficult to look at, so be warned.
That is exactly Caitlyn's case. Caitlyn is a 15-month-old Staffordshire terrier and lives on the streets. Locals know her and often feed her, seeing the sweet little dog as a welcome guest. But on May 27, 2015, she is found in a very pitiable condition, indeed. Caught in the clutches of an animal abuser, he wraps a long piece of packaging tape around her snout. It cut so deep into the sensitive skin near her mouth that the circulation is cut off.
The suffering dog wandered the streets for 2 long days until someone found her. At this point, she was in a very unfortunate condition.
Locals brought the badly injured dog to an animal hospital. A preliminary examination revealed: the circulation to her tongue was so poor that the tongue had become black, swelling the front of her snout completely.
Caitlyn was in critical condition while her case was classified as the highest class of animal abuse. Police put out a $6,000 reward to find the culprit so he could be arrested and taken to court.
Caitlyn in the meantime is taken up by the Charleston Animal Society and cared for. Her lips and tongues must be treated with laser therapy so that she can eat without pain.
Even though Caitlyn’s condition is still critical, the therapy begins to have a positive effect on her. Her swollen snout slowly begins to heal and her tongue begins to regenerate.
The Charleston Animal Society writes her story on Facebook: “Caitlyn is recovering from her ordeal, but she is still in the hospital. Meanwhile, she has switched from an IV diet and antibiotics to normal food and oral medication.”
While Caitlyn continues her therapy, authorities arrest the culprit. His bail is set at $50,000 and Caitlyn’s clinic writes that they hope that “Justice is allowed to run its course.” In the meantime, Caitlyn has been allowed outside again so she can enjoy the fresh air.
Nevertheless, her wounds are considerable. The scars on her nose show the torture she had to endure.
But her new friends and vets care for her lovingly. She is to be adopted by a wonderful family, where a happy future awaits her.
That is why this story is a little miracle: despite brutal treatment, Caitlyn has recovered marvelously. Her story has spread around the internet at the speed of light and now she is a bit of a celebrity. Hundreds of people have donated for her so that the clinic’s costs could be covered. The amount of money is so much that the surplus money can be used to help other homeless animals at the clinic.
Caitlyn did it. Look at that happy face! When you consider the torture she had to endure, her recovery is hard to believe. Hopefully, Caitlyn makes a full recovery and can lead a full and happy dog life.
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