Rescuers weren’t sure Hope was still alive when they first saw her inside a trash bag outside of a shelter.
But that’s not all, Hope wasn’t alone. She had a companion with her – a male boxer tied to a pole next to her. Both dogs were in in terrible condition and made the shelter staff at Unleashed Pet Rescue and Adoption in Mission, Kansas, cry just looking at them.
Hope was lying in the trash bag, barely able to move and Triumph, the second dog, was having trouble standing.
“These two boxers were dumped on our property at some point over night or early this morning,” Unleashed Pet Rescue wrote on the morning they found the two dogs. “Hope was left in a trash bag and Triumph was tied to a pole. Hope is emaciated and so weak she cannot move, she is on antibiotics and pain meds. Triumph cannot move his back legs.”
The rescuers immediately took the dogs to the veterinarian for examination and care.
Hope was in bad shape. She not only had pyometra (infected uterus), but she also had a severe infection in her elbow, and an ultrasound revealed tumors on both of her adrenal glands, as well as one in her brain. The tumors are likely cancer, but rescuers are waiting for test results to find out how far her cancer has spread.
“We are hoping the cancer has not progressed so she can have her last weeks, months, year in a home and spoiled rotten, ” says CEO and founder Danielle Reno.
After several days of medical care, the rescue team shared some positive news about the pair.
Hope not only has gained 7 pounds, she was finally able to get up and walk! She is still on antibiotics for her infected elbow and pyometra, but she is in much better spirits.
“All in all, she’s showing the world that she’s a fighter!” says Reno, adding, “She’s bright eyed and improving every second of every day!”
Triumph’s health is also improving very well.
“He is on medicine and will be working to build up the muscles in his back and legs, as you can see it’s not easy for him to get around,” they wrote. “The plan is physical therapy with water therapy. He is such a sweet dog and is working on recovery in his foster home.”
Reno assures everyone, “We will keep everyone updated and will not give up on these sweet babies, they deserve a chance to be loved and live happy lives.”
Today, both dogs have made a full recovery, and they have found loving forever homes where they are cherished and adored. Despite the cruelty and neglect they faced early in life, they have shown incredible resilience and courage, and they serve as a reminder of the power of love and compassion to heal even the most broken hearts.
