A Fighting Chance

“Come on. Just a little further sweet boy,” our veterinary technician gently encouraged. She wrapped her arm around the young dog’s torso to help him take a few wobbly steps. She was holding a plate of warm chicken to entice him. This brindle-coated, emaciated dog is Cory. He arrived so ravaged by neglect that you could count every one of his ribs and see every notch of his spine.

It was a wonder that he was even alive ...

She steadied Cory on his feet and removed the support of her arm. He attempted to take a step on his own. But it was too much. His atrophied muscles gave out and he collapsed to the floor. A forlorn wag of his tail was all he could muster. She kissed his nose and rewarded his brave attempt with the plate of chicken.

She worried if Cory was going to make it. It was still too early to tell, but she would do everything she could to give him a fighting chance.

We’ll never fully know what Cory went through. Maybe it’s better that we don’t.

We can only assume that he survived by scavenging for anything edible in the house. That is … until he became so weak with malnourishment that he simply couldn’t move.

When the local police found him, Cory was huddled with another dog in a pile of trash. He could barely lift his head to see the faces of those who would remove him from his suffering.

It’s hard to imagine, but two children were also removed from the residence. Thankfully, social services stepped in to provide them the help they needed. And, while another animal organization was able to take the four cats that were found, Cory and the other dog, Topanga, became part of our Animal Friends family.

The moment the two dogs came through our doors, the Animal Friends team jumped into action. Our experienced Medical staff immediately provided them the emergency medical care they so desperately needed. Topanga was in critical condition. Cory was on the verge of death.

For the first few weeks we held our breath. Cory received blood transfusions, a specially formulated diet and feeding plan, extensive physical therapy ... and the list went on. Day by day, Cory continued to fight.

Within a few weeks Cory was able to stand on his own. Shortly thereafter he was walking. And now, the only collapsing we have to worry about is when he excitedly collapses into the waiting
arms of staff and volunteers.

It was still some time before Cory was ready for a new home. Until then, we’ll be sure to give him all the love and care he can handle. And, just maybe, we’ll be able to erase the past that he so narrowly escaped.

None of us wants to believe that situations like Cory’s really do happen right here in our own communities. That right next door there may be animals – and children – clinging to life. But that’s why Animal Friends is here. To step in, provide rescue and safe haven, and offer that critical second chance.

Rescuing and rehabilitating animals like Cory takes a lot of time, energy and resources. And, no matter how long it takes or what it costs, we know it is worth every second ... and every dollar.

Tragically, Cory is just one of thousands of animals who come to Animal Friends each year in need of a fighting chance. And, that’s why we are coming to you.

We need your help.

Please consider a gift in support of our work. From humane investigations and rescue to adoption services and low-cost spay/neuter clinics, you will ensure that our lifesaving programs will be here for the pets … and people … who need them.

Click here to give them a fighting chance.