When a Boston Terrier puppy was rescued from an Amish puppy mill in July 2016, there was little hope he’d survive. At only a few weeks old, the pup had a severe case of mange, and maggots were living in his festering wounds. His muscles were shrunken and useless, and he had deep corneal ulcers that blocked his vision.
The general consensus was that the dog wouldn’t make it, but Janine Guido had different plans. As founder of Speranza Animal Rescue, Guido isn’t afraid to take on the tough cases. Her 17.5-acre farm in Mechanisburg, PA is home to dogs in all walks of life. They’ve all been abused, neglected, or abandoned, but Guido and her volunteers work tirelessly to give them the second chances they deserve.
The animal advocate knew recovery for the extremely ill Boston Terrier wouldn’t be easy, but she refused to give up. She named the pup Libre and promised if he made it through his ordeal, he would always have a forever home by her side.
Through intensive veterinary care and around-the-clock attention, Libre started to heal. After only a few weeks, Guido realized the little dog wanted to take her up on her offer. As his wounds closed and his skin returned to normal, Libre and his many supporters celebrated his small victories. There was the first time he stood up on his own and the first time he realized he could bark. Each moment was a step in the right direction, and the dog who was on the brink of death showed an entire state that he had something to live for.
Now over a year after Libre was rescued, he’s a happy, active, and loving member of Guido’s family. The local area rallied around him during his recovery by creating the “Justice for Libre” movement and spreading the #Librestrong message across the country. The little dog started to represent everything that was wrong with the weak Pennsylvania laws regarding animal abuse. The public outcry was eventually heard, and PA Governor Tom Wolf signed “Libre’s Law” to allow law enforcement to inflict harsher penalties on those charged with animal abuse and neglect.
Libre made a big difference in the world of PA politics, but his happiest moments are spent at home with his family. He’s still a local celebrity and frequently supports animal rights causes, but he’s been enjoying being a regular dog. His best friend on the farm is a cow 20 times his size, and he is always up for a cuddle or play session. Libre has come a long way since he was the dog no one thought would live, and his family is looking forward to seeing how much further he’ll go.
Featured Image Source: Facebook/Speranza Animal Rescue
