In these challenging times, our four-legged friends often face dire circumstances. Many dogs are fortunate just to find refuge in shelters, and for those that find forever homes, it’s a genuine stroke of luck. Among these stories, the tale of a young dog discovered in the woods is particularly touching. This young Labrador, fighting against his dwindling moments, had nearly given up hope of ever experiencing love again. But fate had other plans, and just as he seemed to be crossing the rainbow bridge, kind-hearted individuals intervened, giving him a new lease on life.
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County encountered a heart-wrenching scene in a wooded area of Eatonville, Washington. Here they found Timber, an eight-month-old Labrador Retriever, in desperate need of help. Found on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Timber was unable to walk, a testament to his severe condition.
Laura Green, a marketing coordinator at the shelter, described Timber’s state to Newsweek: “Timber had sunken eyes, lethargy, severe dehydration, and an elevated heart rate.”
Yet, these issues paled in comparison to his most life-threatening challenge: canine parvovirus. According to American Veterinary Medical Association, this virus is particularly destructive to dogs’ health is highly contagious, and is even more dangerous for puppies like Timber. The rescuers’ hearts sank at the sight of Timber, but their sorrow quickly transformed into a resolve to save him. Their timely intervention allowed for immediate medical treatment, crucial for battling the virus.
“Once infected, immediate medical intervention is required to give the dog a fighting chance against the disease,” Green explained. “Timber came to our care just in time to receive treatment and begin on the road to recovery.”
This intervention marked a pivotal moment for the Tacoma shelter, igniting a spark of hope for Timber’s future. Though his journey to full health was far from over, his gentle nature and cooperative spirit throughout the treatments inspired everyone involved. Fortunately, Timber’s story didn’t end in the woods. He was placed in a foster home, an essential step towards healing both his body and his traumatized spirit. Foster care provides the love and stability that dogs like Timber desperately need, and for him, this temporary sanctuary was a godsend.
The ultimate goal remains to turn the word ‘foster’ into ‘forever’ for Timber, rewarding his resilience and the dedication of those who brought him back from the brink. This hope drives the efforts of the shelter and all who support it, looking forward to the day when Timber can truly be home.
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