The indiscriminate breeding of dogs just to profit from their breed is something that completely outrages us. Of course, being a breeder is not a crime, but unfortunately, in most cases the dogs are turned into money machines, so their health, safety and security is the last thing on their minds.
Recently, Animal Aid Unlimited received an alert about a disabled dog that had been abandoned. His owner had used him for breeding, and once he was no longer needed, having been too badly affected by so much neglect to the point that he couldn’t walk, he was left behind to fend for himself.
With no arguments to justify in any way such a case of abandonment and neglect for a puppy that could not fend for himself, rescuers and volunteers immediately began to help him.
Pumba’s hind legs were immobile, but they knew they had to help him.
This type of problem often happens to elderly dogs of very large breeds. It is a problem in their hips that causes lameness and, if the situation is not taken care of in time, ends up leaving the animal unable to walk.
When they examined him they soon realized that Pumba was never taken for a walk or to play, he was probably a puppy used for breeding without stopping, locked up and in the worst conditions.
But, if there is a team that never gives up when it comes to helping an animal in distress, those are the members of Animal Aid Unlimited, so after doing the pertinent studies to Pumba and having a diagnosis, they knew exactly what they had to do.
The first step would be hydrotherapy. It was clear that this gentle giant had never been taken for walks or allowed to play, so he would have to be introduced to exercise slowly. The good boy cooperated and jumped right in, and they didn’t know what he loved more: the water or the attention!
His times in the pool to strengthen his hind legs in a pleasant, painless and fun way was accompanied by short walks in which he was helped to walk smoothly.
The horrible past at the hands of a negligent breeder was left behind.
By the sixth week, Pumba was able to stand on his own! He was still a little wobbly, but the progress was more than significant. His helpers knew there was still work to be done and continued on with the therapy, this time with more enthusiasm.
Their dream was to see Pumba walk as he once did and they would not give up until they achieved it… They were already very close to seeing that goal crystallized! Soon Pumba could not only stand up on his own, he could also walk and even run.
Little by little, Pumba regained the mobility of his legs and was walking again.
It’s really hard to believe that no one had ever cared about his well-being before. With only 6 weeks of love these heroes achieved miraculous changes thanks to their selflessness. And to think that if it wasn’t for them, the fate of this poor little dog would have been eternal prostration.
Pumba’s happiest moment was when he was able to share with other animals and play with other dogs. He had never been able to do that, so I was not willing to miss the opportunity.
Seeing him live happily, with all the love, fun and attention a pet deserves is really touching! Now he can play with other dogs, which is what he loves most in the world. May his story serve to raise awareness about the drama of dog breeding. Remember: Don’t buy, adopt!
Look how with the help of these people and with a good therapy, Pumba was able to move forward:
