Animals of any species – except humans – do not use age to discriminate against anyone.
As we age, we are more likely to have health problems, so we need support from other people. The same goes for animals.
Unfortunately, many are neglected and mistreated at a time when they need us most. In some cases, the lack of monitoring is due to the owners’ lack of resources.
This is the case of Buster, a little dog adopted by a very loving but humble homeless woman who was unable to help him. Everything she could offer, she did: she gave him the little food she had and a blanket to keep him warm.
As he needed veterinary help, she made the difficult decision to hand him over to an animal rescue service.
When rescue arrived, they tried to lift Buster to see if he could stand or even sit. But he couldn’t bear any weight on his back legs.
The dog was taken to the shelter of the NGO “Animal Aid”. Even though he was surrounded by strangers, he was very well behaved. Despite being in pain, he trusted his new caregivers.
The vet evaluated Buster and diagnosed a spinal injury. But he had sensation in his back legs, which was an excellent sign. It was not impossible to recover!
The vet gave Buster food and waited for him to regain some of his energy before starting treatment.
Buster was placed on a rigorous physical therapy schedule. But even after three weeks, he still couldn’t stand upright. But that didn’t mean he or his rescuers would give up.
The team continued to exercise their muscles and joints. He was always a good kid, remaining calm and always trying hard.
With a lot of diligence and patience, Buster was able to take his first steps. He couldn’t contain his joy and wagged his tail happily at every human he saw.
It took six weeks, but Buster managed to recover, little by little.
Fortunately, he was re-adopted by the woman who called the rescue months earlier!
We couldn’t ask for a more perfect ending to his story…