Life can be cruel: it strikes you unexpectedly when you’re least prepared.
I believed I’d grown accustomed to various tales of abandoned dogs up to this point, but the reality is quite the opposite.
With each new account I encounter, it becomes increasingly difficult.
My soul aches and shatters with every new forsaken pup that faced despair and had no chances.
And, my thoughts fail to grasp the nature of the world we inhabit.
I usually concentrate on joyful tales, but occasionally, I come across a fresh, gut-wrenching case that leaves me breathless.
I attempt to reassure myself that it’s alright; that pup received a second opportunity, yet I cannot overcome the moments they had to endure in anguish.
Blue was one of those pups I wept for.
Years later, Blue’s situation remains vividly etched in my memory. Forever.
I will never erase the expression he wore when he was ultimately discovered and rescued.
And, I am certain you’ll also remember Blue, this incredible GSD pup!
Severely Ill Puppy Named Blue Finally Gets A Break
The Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue, located in Virginia, has been recognized for its commendable efforts in rescuing underprivileged dogs for many years. They have aided even the most desperate situations. One such case was Blue.
Blue was discovered, along with another dog, Roxanne, his sibling. Both dogs were in appalling state.
Blue was excessively underweight for his age. He had sizable areas of fur missing, and overall, he presented as though he had survived a nightmare. And, he undoubtedly had!
When Blue was taken to the veterinary clinic, he was diagnosed with parvovirus. Parvovirus is potentially lethal if untreated. It is a disease that damages a dog’s intestinal lining and leads to its destruction. |1|
The death rate of dogs afflicted by parvovirus can reach up to 80%! Fortunately, Blue was lucky since his parvovirus was identified and treated promptly.
“There was a period when he was unquestionably very ill, and we weren’t entirely confident that he’d survive,” Kaitlin Vazquez, co-founder of Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue, informed The Dodo.
Roxanne, his sister, had better fortune than Blue. Although parvovirus can swiftly spread from one dog to another, Roxanne did not contract it. Shortly after their rescue, she was placed in a foster home as a healthy puppy.
Blue had to remain in the clinic for an additional month before being considered for adoption or a foster arrangement.
Blue secured a temporary foster arrangement with Julia Downer.
“When he first arrived, he was completely withdrawn. It was as if he genuinely didn’t know how to act like a dog. He found a spot in front of our dishwasher, and he wouldn’t depart from it for anything,” Downer stated. “If I approached him, he’d run in circles until I left, then return to his spot and just watch me. It was quite distressing, heartbreaking to observe a dog appearing so frightened and uncertain.”
Two other dogs in the home, Simba and Koda, assisted Blue in relaxing and accepting his new life with the Downers. Gradually, poor Blue began to unfurl like a butterfly. He started engaging with tennis balls thrown to him and even began cuddling with humans on the sofa.
Blue flourished and transformed into a beautiful young German Shepherd! The previous version of Blue was entirely gone.
While Julie grew very fond of Blue, she recognized he needed to discover his forever family. A few months after living with Julie, Simba, and Koda, Blue found his new mother, relocated with her, and bid farewell to the Downers in Virginia.
“She was incredibly thrilled,” Downer remarked. “She sent me a photo of Blue standing in front of the ocean during the very first week with her, and you could clearly see how joyful he was.”
Blue ended up in a wonderful, energetic, and nurturing environment. He was fortunate to have a family he always merited.
Though I cannot forget the expression on his face, that despair and urgent will to survive, I am immensely relieved that this is all behind Blue.
He stands as a true representation of what occurs when life offers you a second chance.
References:
- Nandi, S., & Sharma, M. (2010). Canine parvovirus: current perspective. Indian Journal of Virology, 21(1), 31–44. DOI