Animal shelters do incredible work giving pets a second chance. Some animals arrive at shelters in shocking condition, but they still step up to give them the love and care they need.
That was the case for a dog named Libby, who had a tumor the size of a volleyball. But now, her story has a happy ending.
In August, the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, in Washington state, took in a stray pit bull named Libby. They said the dog was “full of life” and had a “sweet face and kind eyes.”
However, Libby also had a serious medical concern: a 10-pound tumor the size of a volleyball, one of the largest masses they had ever seen:
Libby arrived at a hectic time for the shelter: HSTPC says Libby was just one of three urgent cases they responded to in 48 hours, and as Washington’s largest-intake shelter dozens of new animals were arriving every day.
Despite that, they resolved to give Libby the best possible care, even though they weren’t sure what the future had in store for the poor dog.
“She deserves the most compassionate care possible, but we don’t know what her outcome will be at this time,” the shelter wrote in August. “Our veterinary team is working on every possible option and will start with testing to understand what kind of tumor Libby has. For now, she is receiving pain medication to ease her discomfort and endless love from our staff.”
After giving Libby an x-ray, they discovered the tumor was in the bone of her upper right leg, and would require amputation. Reactive inflammation caused the tumor to swell to its unusual size, and was causing her agonizing pain.
Through generous donations from supporters, the shelter was able to pay for Libby’s leg amputation. The surgery, done by the vet staff at BluePearl Pet Hospital, was a success and Libby was finally free of the pain she had been living through.
Sadly, even though her tumor was gone, she was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer, and her time on earth might be limited. But in happy news, Libby has found a home!
According to HSTPC, a vet tech fell in love with Libby and agreed to adopt her. Even though she knows that Libby might not live long, she wanted to fill her remaining days with love.
“There’s something in her eyes that begs for love and safety,” her new adopter said, according to a Facebook post. “I couldn’t turn away from that.”
Libby has now been renamed “Wiggles” and is enjoying her new home, playing with her dog brother and family and taking lots of cozy naps on the couch.
“Though we’re uncertain how much time she has left, we know she’ll spend her remaining days
Desperate Puppy Trapped in Slaughterhouse, Pleading for Help with Heartbreaking Eyes
Meet Toby! This story began with a heartbreaking photograph that broke our hearts. Toby was bound and wrapped in a bag, his eyes filled with terror and misery. His life was hanging by a thread, with the fear of execution just minutes away. We realised we needed to move quickly.
We rushed Toby to the vet since his condition was critical. Toby’s ordeal had rendered him paralysed, a defence mechanism, a desperate attempt to protect himself from the horrors of the world. He had clearly lost trust in humanity, and his initial check found no broken bones. The idea of crushed nerves was investigated, but one thing was certain: Toby had suffered greatly.
Toby was extremely resilient despite his pain and terror. He never complained, silently suffering the trials that life had placed upon him. Toby, like any other dog, deserved a chance at a normal existence, in our opinion.
The road to recovery began with acupuncture, and Toby surprised us by being unusually calm and cooperative. The tiny angel gradually began to trust us, and his true beautiful nature began to come through.
Today, Toby exudes happiness. While his walk remains difficult, his eyes tell a different story – one of joy, resilience, and unexpected optimism. His left leg has steadily grown stronger, allowing him to lift his body and take the first steps towards a brighter future.
Many people have been following Toby’s growth, and one generous woman gave him a wheelchair. It was an exciting time for Toby as he relished his newfound freedom. He now runs everywhere, a testament to his tenacity.
But Toby’s adventure does not end there. He continues to undergo acupuncture treatments and benefits from swimming therapy. Every day, he lives a life full of happiness, love, and caring.
It’s hard to believe that just four months ago, Toby’s life was in jeopardy. He might not have lived to see this day if fate had been one minute later. Toby’s story is a testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and second chances. He is a living reminder that every being is deserving of love, care, and the chance to live a life of happiness and purpose. Toby, you genuinely deserve all of the world’s love.
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