Anyone who loves animals cringes at the thought of one being hurt and unloved and living in deplorable conditions. No living soul, no matter how small or how big, should have to suffer and live a life of pain and neglect. If you own a pet, how much does your heart ache just thinking about your furry friend living in a dirty, unloving environment?
In a terrifying stat gathered by The Puppy Mill Project, there are an estimated 167,388 breeding dogs trapped in this underground business, living in unsanitary conditions and away from loving owners. Not all hope is lost, however. There are amazing projects doing incredible things to rescue animals trapped in situations like this one. Cesar is one of the many dogs living like this, and he’s a total success story.
One of eight Yorkies saved from a puppy mill in Seville, Spain, Cesar’s story, in particular, stood out to the rescuers. He was found looking scraggly, his fur matted and chunky. He was grimy and dirty and spent 10 years of his life locked in a box away from loving human contact and daylight; his only job was to breed, eat and sleep. Until now, he had never experienced a family, love, kindness, proper nourishment, or any tenderness in his little life.
Cesar was brought in on his last legs. In the video, we watch his rescue from beginning to end, and although it’s a little graphic (and VERY emotional), Cesar is transformed. In the loving, caring hands of the rescuer at the hospital, he is carefully removed from his cage and brought into the next room to get shaved. His fur is covered in filth and is hanging off him. There’s a lot of work to be done as the rescuer slowly but surely makes certain the dog knows he’s in good hands.
Once the fur is removed, Cesar is taken for a bath. During this whole process, the pup is timid and complies. I can’t imagine the things done to him. It’s awful to even go there and think of the atrocities he’s been through. But, he’s tough and he surrenders. The rescuer is able to clean him up thoroughly; trimming his fur; cutting his nails, cleaning his teeth and restoring him to a healthier-looking version of himself. While this is only the first step of his recovery, the transformation is amazing. The best part? He was adopted shortly after by an animal-loving couple who wants to give him a forever home.
Click the video below to watch Cesar’s incredible story.
