Pound Rescue: Victor's story

 Victor's sad story and survival against all odds:
He came from an area we call “underprivileged”: low or no income, no employment, little education, and all that goes with it. There were lots of dogs in the family, as well as a number of cats. We offered free spay/neuter for all, but failed to convince them. Pups and kittens are toys for the kids, gives them something to be occupied with. They later sold some of the pups in the city, or passed them on as gifts to relatives and friends, for their kids to play with for a while.
Last year, that family surrendered two adult dogs to us, they had lost interest in them. But the rest had to stay. We were also allowed to take an incontinent kitten with a broken back. After x-rays to confirm, sadly euthanasia was the only choice. We often went to that place, and each time, it was depressing. We get sad, we get mad, we speak out, we shut up. One step forward, two steps back. Many volunteers just drop out, cannot take it any more. The dogs always greet us with wagging tails, waiting for food. They are free to roam. The neighbours, with unfixed female dogs, had threatened before that they would shoot those dogs if they came over, or stole their dogs’ food.
Recently, Victor did not come back for a week or so, the family were not too sure. And when he finally came back to what for him was home, he collapsed. A huge wound in his upper leg, the bone shattered. No other injuries, most likely a gunshot wound. Victor was dragging the leg, swollen, gangrene had set in. He yelped in pain whenever he fell on it, his body now was emaciated and weak. We got the phone call, to pick up the dog. We are most grateful they called us. So glad. As horrible as it all is, this phone call alone is a glimmer of hope. Only those who go into that world will understand. On the drive home, Victor was lying across our laps on the back seat. The smell of rotting flesh was so overpowering, we had to keep the windows down. The dog licked my face, my hand, his wound. He seemed more courageous than we were. It was clear there was no hope for this leg, but hope for life. There are lots of dogs running on just 3 legs, we reminded ourselves. We chose life. After we dropped Victor off at the clinic, we cried, emotionally drained. At least they called, we repeated to ourselves, several times. They called us to help the dog! We had to say it over and over, to really believe this.
And we will not give up, not on the dogs, not on the people, not on hope for compassion.
If you would like to help with Victor's vet bills, all of us at Pound Rescue together with people who love dogs and who want to make a difference, please share and donate to support us in raising $2,500.
Every day since, Victor has been getting a little bit better!