Abused Dog Could Barely Move A Muscle After Rescuers Found Him Left For Dead In Trash
Charlie the Pit Bull was found in one of the worst possible places, lying in trash beside a dumpster after being left for dead. He was covered in filth, had several head wounds, and could barely move when a Good Samaritan spotted him and stepped in.
Nikki Rubino, a former vet tech, saw the dog after being tagged in a Facebook post and rushed to help before it was too late. From there, Charlie was taken to the Philadelphia Animal Hospital, where his recovery became a race against time.
His story is heartbreaking, but the next few days brought a few small signs of hope.
Charlie the Pit Bull was most likely going to die if it hadn't been for Nikki Rubino, the Good Samaritan who found him.
Nikki became aware of the situation after being tagged in a Facebook post about the dog being sighted in the garbage next to a recreational center. Having been a vet tech for many years, she was immediately able to recognize that the poor dog needed to be saved as soon as possible; otherwise, he would not make it.
Charlie was completely still when she approached him in an attempt to untie the string that bound him to a pole. It was miraculous that he was even able to move his head.
Charlie was completely still at the beginning; he had to fight hard to stay alive.
The poor dog had to be rushed to the Philadelphia Animal Hospital, so Nikki and her friend drove him there themselves. Since his arrival, his condition has been “touch-and-go”; however, the 2-year-old Pit Bull is blessed to have an entire group of supporters doing all they can to help him heal.
“The following photo is hard to look at but is very important,” the Philadelphia Animal Hospital wrote on Facebook.
The hospital commented on this tragic incident and expressed their full support:
“It’s a terrible tragedy when innocent animals are treated in such a way, and we recognize that this is not an isolated incident.”
Charlie's condition is currently stable, and he's receiving all the care he requires.
“Charlie is a very sweet dog and is in stable condition.” The vets are “taking every measure to ensure he gets well.”
An investigation has already been launched by the humane law enforcement unit of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in order to find whoever is responsible for this cruel crime against Charlie.
The PSPCA found a microchip in Charlie that was implanted by them as part of their clinic vaccine services. Charlie's wounds indicate that he might have been used as a bait dog in dog fighting.
Donations have been pouring in for Charlie; however, future donations must be directed to the City of Elderly Love: Save a Senior Pet.
This cruel “left behind” mystery echoes the cyclist who found a crying dog with a plastic bag.
A lot of people are hoping the investigation brings answers soon.
Charlie is being cared for and treated by the Philadelphia Animal Hospital free of cost.
“While not our typical rescue, Charlie’s wonderful finders sure brought him to the right place,” City of Elderly Love wrote on Facebook. “Philadelphia Animal Hospital will be caring for and treating him free of cost, and as their exclusive rescue partner, we’ll be handling his post-recovery care. We have high hopes that Philly’s amazing Humane Law Enforcement team will be able to bring Charlie’s abusers to justice.”
Although the fear of Charlie developing sepsis due to his wounds still concerns doctors quite a lot, there are some positive signs that he is recovering well. Three days after his rescue, he's already “happily trotting around” the hospital.
“There’s no set timeline on his recovery, and we’ll have to take it day by day, but Charlie is strong, and the worst is over,” the rescue group said. “Tomorrow, he’ll have surgery to remove more of the dead tissue on his face. He’ll need a series of procedures to make a full recovery, but he is more comfortable than he has been in a long time.”
Charlie is getting lots of cuddles and rest, and his rescuers are making sure he recovers well.
The animal hospital added:
“Tomorrow he will have surgery to remove much of the dead tissue around his face and muzzle. It will be just one of a series of surgeries he will need, but it is a step in the right direction. He is eating well and is much more comfortable than he has been!”
We're so grateful for people like Nikki and the rescuers; without them, this wouldn't have been possible, and they deserve all the praise they're getting. They saved a defenseless dog's life and ensured he recovers well, and thanks to them, he's now a healthy and happy dog!
Charlie still has a long road ahead, but he is finally getting the care he needed.
After Charlie’s trash rescue, see how a chemically burned dog still defied the odds, at this chemical-burn survivor’s story.
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