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As pitiful cases go, today’s rescue story is right up there. An adorably sweet 2-year-old dog that was likely left homeless by the war in Ukraine, she had been spayed by a city neutering program and apparently released back onto the streets.
However, her life would take a dramatic turn for the worse when she fell ill with a life-threatening condition.
Pleading for Help on the Streets
Zhuzha’s distress caught the attention of Love Furry Friends, a Ukrainian animal rescue group dedicated to helping homeless animals during times of chaos.
She was found wandering near a loading dock with a massive distended belly, which was at odds with the clip on her ear denoting her status as spayed.
Desperate for Medical Assistance
After seeing Zhuzha’s obvious discomfort and hearing her labored breathing, the rescue team knew that they had to act quickly to get her medical help.
At the veterinary clinic, the veterinarians discovered that she was suffering from heartworms, which had progressed extensively.
The disease had caused a lot of liquid to accumulate in her abdominal cavity due to abnormal heart function.
A Life-Saving Intervention
The veterinarians immediately began treatment to save Zhuzha’s life. Over the course of her 10-day stay, they drained as much as 10 liters of fluid from her abdomen, giving her the relief she needed.
Without this life-saving intervention, she would never have made it, and the end would have been full of more pain and suffering. But thanks to the Love Furry Friends team, she now has a chance at a better life.
Road to Recovery
After her release, Zhuzha was allowed a brief walk through a park, where she demonstrated her fantastic leash skills.
Then she was brought back to the home where the group’s other rescue pups happily await adoption.
Despite the trauma and stress in her life, Zhuzha quickly adjusted to her new surroundings and is now ready for a forever home.
Zhuzha’s case was so advanced that she will need medication for life, but she’s a fighter and worth fighting for.
She has shown that she has the strength and resilience to overcome her hardships and thrive in a new environment.
If you enjoyed reading about Zhuzha’s journey, please like and share her story. Want more like this? Read What will be the fate of a defeated death row dog? and Devastating tale of puppy mill father – blinded and abandoned on the streets
