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Many Were Afraid To Handle Bony Puppy, But He Needed Touch To Overcome

By: Julie Hunt
Julie Hunt is an avid dog lover and writer for iHeartDogs.com, and has a background as a veterinary technician. She rescued a beautiful former bait dog named Rory.Read more
| December 4, 2024

In a perfect world, every dog would experience a life of warmth, comfort, and unconditional love, cherished as a member of a family. Sadly, the reality for many dogs is starkly different, with countless animals enduring neglect, abandonment, and mistreatment at the hands of those who should care for them. Such was the heartbreaking beginning for a young puppy named Oliver. His journey started in unimaginable cruelty, yet his story took a transformative turn when compassionate strangers stepped in, offering him a chance at hope, healing, and a brighter future.

anim.alterra/Instagram

One day, a passerby stumbled upon a severely malnourished dog wandering the streets. Heartbroken by his condition, she immediately called for help. Responding quickly, rescuers from Animal Terra arrived on the scene, prepared for what they thought would be a typical rescue. What they found, however, was anything but ordinary.

anim.alterra/Instagram

The team discovered Oliver, in an emaciated state, was teetering on the brink of survival. Without hesitation, they rushed him to a veterinary hospital, where even the seasoned staff were shocked by his condition. Weighing only 11 pounds at just seven months old, Oliver was in dire need of medical care. He was diagnosed with piroplasmosis, a severe illness requiring an urgent blood transfusion, adding to the complexity of his fragile state.

As they worked to save him, the rescuers learned of Oliver’s tragic past. Once owned by someone who should have cared for him, Oliver had been chained in a garage and left to suffer. It was only by sheer luck and determination that he managed to escape his horrific circumstances.

anim.alterra/Instagram

Despite their heartbreak and anger over the cruelty he endured, the team at Animal Terra focused on giving Oliver a second chance. They named him Oliver and began sharing his journey on their Instagram account, @anim.alterra, hoping to rally support. The response was overwhelming—generous donors quickly stepped forward to cover the costs of his extensive treatment.

With a successful blood transfusion and constant care, Oliver began to improve. In just a few days, he gained several pounds—a small but significant step on his path to recovery. Beyond his physical healing, the love and attention he received helped mend the emotional scars left by his past.

anim.alterra/Instagram

As Oliver’s health improved, the team arranged for him to move into a foster home, where he was showered with care and affection. Living with a compassionate foster parent gave him the stability and comfort he needed to continue his recovery. The final step was finding Oliver a permanent family. It didn’t take long before a wonderful family fell in love with the resilient pup. Renamed Nelu, Oliver left behind his dark past to embrace a bright future filled with love and hope.

Heartbreaking Discovery: Dozens of Dogs Found After Cruelty Charges
Heartbreaking Discovery: Dozens of Dogs Found After Cruelty Charges

Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!

Once a dog condemned to a life of suffering, Oliver’s journey reminds us of the transformative power of kindness and determination. With the right care and compassion, even the most ‘broken’ souls can heal and thrive. Click’ play’ below to witness Oliver’s (Nelu’s) transformation.

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