It Takes A Village Animal Rescue in Muscatine, Iowa, stepped in to address a heartbreaking situation. More than 60 animals were discovered in severely neglectful conditions, prompting an urgent rescue effort. Among them was a small black puppy named Ralph, whose journey to recovery would capture the hearts of everyone involved. Initially, Ralph was placed in a foster home where he was expected to thrive. However, his foster parent soon noticed something unusual about the pup’s movements and contacted the rescue for help.
A visit to the veterinarian revealed a difficult diagnosis: Ralph had swimmer syndrome. “This is such a devastating and rare deformity that affects newborn puppies, causing their rear limbs to be too weak for them to stand,” It Takes A Village explained in a Facebook post. “It is also characterized by the pup having a very flat chest [and] rib cage because of the constant flat-lying position they are in. The resulting complications can be deadly.”
Ralph could not walk or stand. Instead, he wriggled along the ground, his enthusiasm for life undeterred by his limitations. Despite the bleak prognosis, the rescue moved him to a critical care foster home with Sarah Evans and her family, who were determined to give Ralph the chance he deserved. With the help of their extended community, Ralph received the support he needed.
“In this loving home, Ralph was not only cared for and nurtured by Sarah Evans and her wonderful family (Jake, Jackson, Briar, and Evie), but their extended circle came to his aid as well,” the rescue wrote. “Mark built a therapy track. Joyce sewed braces. And the list goes on.”
Through therapy and care, Ralph gradually grew stronger. Then, something extraordinary happened. The puppy, who once couldn’t stand, began to move freely. “That little puppy had an entire village rallying behind him,” the rescue wrote. “That, my friends, is what love in action looks like.”
A video shared by the rescue captured Ralph trotting happily across the floor, chasing after his foster dad. It was a moment no one thought possible, and it stood as proof of what determination and compassion can achieve. “That little pup who could not walk, who could not stand, who could not sit … He needed every single shred of hope for such a devastating physical disability,” the rescue reflected. “But that’s what it’s all about, right? Hope?”
Luckily, a community member saw what was happening and alerted authorities. Their intervention may well have saved multiple animals' lives. Demand authorities ban this person from ever living with or owning animals again!
Thanks to It Takes A Village Animal Rescue and his wonderful foster family, he is thriving today. To see his full story and the video of Ralph running like the wind, click here. You can also donate to this wonderful rescue group by visiting this page.
Toledo, United States.
