In the vast expanse of heart-wrenching dog stories, this one is bound to evoke tears.
Meet Maru, the most endearing protagonist. If he could speak, he’d surely trade all his newfound fame for a different life.
Tethered in a desolate spot near a perilous cliff, Maru endured a decade of neglect. Yet, he clung to hope for a brighter tomorrow!
Abandoned dog sleeping next to its shelter
Source: @we.a.c.t
Years of Isolation and Sorrow
Cute neglected dog
Source: @we.a.c.t
Maru’s journey began fourteen years ago as a tiny pup. Bought at a steep price, he spent four years with his first owner. Then, tragedy struck!
Passed on to another owner, Maru found himself confined outdoors. Little did he know, he’d spend most of his life imprisoned.
Chained to a small structure dangerously close to the cliff’s edge, his life hung in the balance each day.
“Over the years, we’ve encountered numerous abandoned dogs, but this location was particularly dire. The small structure, akin to a house for the dog, teetered on the brink of a cliff,” recounted the rescue team on Instagram.
Neglected dog smiling
Source: @we.a.c.t
Poor Maru endured years sheltered beneath a flimsy metal sheet, seeking refuge from rain and cold. Regrettably, he also had to relieve himself there.
When the compassionate folks at WEACT heard his tale, they sprang into action. But they arrived too late. Maru was already a senior, deprived of the comforts of a home for a decade.
When rescuers approached, fearing the worst, something remarkable occurred! Instead of hostility, Maru greeted them with a warm smile and wagging tail.
He seemed overjoyed to have company, as if conveying the loneliness and sadness he endured all those years.
A Glimmer of Hope
Sweet dog in a box
Source: @we.a.c.t
The team whisked him away to safety in a kennel, heading to their facility.
During the journey to his new life, Maru was apprehensive. But upon arrival, all doubts melted away. He devoured a hearty bowl of dog food in minutes.
Despite his fur masking it, Maru was extremely undernourished. Layers of matted fur hung from his body, giving the illusion of excess weight.
“The tangled mess of fur resembled armor,” WEACT noted.
A grooming session revealed the true extent of his plight. After a decade, Maru emerged looking like a tiny pup. Severely underweight, he needed at least fifteen pounds to regain his proper form.
Shaved dogs fur
Source: @we.a.c.t
His hardships were etched in scars and the absence of teeth. Tragically, Maru was diagnosed with stage-2 heartworms.
Yet, despite it all, he remained affectionate – grateful to be far from his former inadequate dwelling.
Maru’s Road to Recovery
Shaved dog sleeping
Source: @we.a.c.t
Maru still has a long journey ahead, but his caregivers are committed to his well-being. Their primary aim is to ensure his remaining years are filled with comfort and joy.
To have a hand in making Maru’s twilight years special is a privilege, one the WEACT team intends to honor.
“WEACT will be his family now. We’ll ensure he finds happiness in a warm, safe environment,” they affirmed.