Get your tissues ready. You won’t be able to read this story and without a tear coming to your eye. This is the tale of a young woman in Argentina who rescued a starving dog left to die on the streets.
If you are heartbroken at the thought of a dog going hungry, have no fear, this story has a happy ending.
The Hero of Our Story
Meet Hercules. This picture was taken before his journey of rehabilitation began.
It was nearly Christmas in 2017. On December 23, an Argentine woman named Pia found this pup in dire straits. While visiting friends in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pia saw the starving dog running around their neighborhood. The dog was clearly terrified and in distress. Pia’s friends were unable to catch the frail pup, but Pia refused to give up on the animal in need. When she eventually found him lying next to a house, she said “he had no shine in his eyes” and “he had given up.”
Thankfully, Pia was ready to fight for him. She immediately brought him to a vet and that’s where the battle began.
The Road to Recovery
The veterinarian told Pia they needed to see if Hercules could make it through the weekend. He was in such bad shape that they weren’t sure he would survive. Pia dropped everything to help her newfound dog.
The first few days were critical and during that time the skinny boy lost two more pounds. Because Hercules was so ill, he was unable to eat in those early days. Pia handfed him water from a bowl every three hours to make him stay hydrated.
Then you might say a Christmas or holiday miracle occurred. Three days later, on December 26th, the pup was discharged and Pia brought him to foster care.
“You could see in his eyes that he wanted to live,” Pia remembered. Despite that, on a few occasions, she worried that he may die because his condition was so poor. But he continued to fight and that is why she named him Hercules.
Pia filmed much of their journey. She recalled lifting his body to help him re-learn to walk. She remembered crying and fighting alongside him. “We did it together,” she said.
And in January, after much patience, Hercules began to walk again. Pia admitted she cried like a baby when her darling friend took those first few steps. They were what led to the rest of his recovery. Before Pia knew it, those initial baby steps led to jogging, running, jumping and playing. Eventually, she was able to take him on walks through the city.
Healing Powers
By February, it was like Pia had a new dog. Hercules’ hair was quickly growing back. He showed signs of life and energy. He loved to be in her arms and held close. The bond between the two was so unbreakable that after fostering him back to good health, Pia knew she couldn’t give him up. Hercules found his forever home with Pia.
“As he began to change, his eyes started to shine,” Pia said. See the incredible recovery for yourself. Hercules is no longer a starving dog left on his own. He is thriving. Pia calls this phenomenal dog her miracle and a Christmas present she’ll never forget.
Watch Hercules’ Heroic Story
Don’t forget your tissues when you see Pia and Hercules’ story. They’re still the best of buds today. You can follow their friendship on Instagram.
Source: iheartdogs.com
