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Dog Whose Ears & Tongue Have Been Sliced Off Is Now A Therapy Dog Who Has Inspired Many

| Published on July 22, 2016

Dogs are man’s best friend. They are so loyal to us and so trusting. However some humans do not deserve the trust and loyalty of a dog. We’ve heard horror stories of the evil and cruelty of men towards dogs.

Yet even after all the pain and hurt they’ve gone through, some dogs still come out of their horrible experiences even sweeter and friendlier. These resilient dogs have not given up on life and they go on living, inspiring others with their strength, determination, and their will to live.

This dog named Hooch is one of those amazingly resilient and determined dogs. When Hooch was rescued he was severely emaciated; he was thirsty and starving.

Posted by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Tuesday, August 6, 2013

But what’s most alarming is that Hooch’s tongue have been sliced off and his ears were brutally cut off.

Posted by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Tuesday, August 6, 2013

No wonder why Hooch was so thin. Without a tongue, it was very difficult for Hooch to eat and drink. Amy Klein of Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue told The Dodo that they have tried everything to get Hooch take in some nourishment. They’ve tried feeding tubes, a Bailey chair, but nothing worked.

You can see how much thinner Hooch was back then. He weighed only 42 pounds! He is a solid 92 pounds now!

Posted by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Monday, May 19, 2014

However one simple but bright idea did the job. Vet technician Andrea Bertolucci simply got a kibble, put her hand in Hooch’s mouth, and reached to the back of his throat.

Posted by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Having Hooch take a drink was less challenging. Hooch got it all figured out by submerging his face in water and just drank the water by sucking it all up.

Posted by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A lot of love and TLC helped Hooch recover. He was able to cope with how he drinks and eats. Although he does drools a lot since he can’t swallow his saliva. But other than that, Hooch is a good boy who loves giving hugs.

Posted by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Hooch eventually became a therapy dog. Amy Klein told The Dodo that Hooch, aka the big orange bear, is the sweetest dog and he even lets children crawl all over him during his visits to the elementary schools and community centers.

Marley’s Mutts Fall Vendor Show

Photo: April Massirio

Posted by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Thursday, November 21, 2013

Now Hooch is one of the 8 finalists of the American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Award and he needs your vote! Watch the video below and know more about his story!

It’s pretty clear that these 2 were meant to be — Amy
www.herodogawards.org/dog/hooch

Posted by Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue on Sunday, July 17, 2016

To vote for Hooch, please go to THIS LINK.

You also can read more about Hooch’s story at The Dodo.

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