Anastasia’s Second Chance

Every day, countless dogs suffer in silence due to human cruelty. Their cries for help go unheard, their pleas for compassion ignored. Among them was Anastasia, a sweet soul who endured unimaginable pain. Kicked in the face and left in a box to die, she was found in an unknown location, her nose bleeding profusely, and her mouth swollen to the point of near explosion. One eye was injured, and her snout twisted from the brutal attack.

When Anastasia arrived at the clinic, she struggled to breathe, requiring oxygen just to stay alive. We worked tirelessly to stabilize her before conducting the necessary tests: skull and chest x-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work. The results were devastating. While there was no broken jaw from the kick, her stomach was full of stones—clear evidence that she had swallowed them out of desperation from unbearable hunger. We had to monitor her closely; the stones could cause a blockage or even perforate her intestines. Weak and fragile, she wasn’t ready for surgery. Instead, I attempted to induce vomiting, hoping to relieve some of the pressure. A repeat ultrasound revealed that most stones had passed, but a few large objects remained lodged in her intestine, necessitating an endoscopic procedure. Thankfully, it went smoothly, and we successfully removed the foreign objects.

Afterward, Anastasia began eating special healing food, yet her recovery was far from over. Blood tests revealed anemia and dangerously low albumin levels, compromising her ability to heal. Complications from a severe infection further complicated her condition, making each day a struggle. But slowly, signs of improvement emerged. Anastasia gained a kilogram—a small but significant milestone in her recovery. Day by day, her strength returned, and after 20 grueling days, she was finally stable enough to leave the hospital. I took her home, ready to nurture her in a loving environment.

Before long, a kind woman reached out, eager to adopt her. Once in her new home, Anastasia blossomed. She quickly became best friends with the woman’s other dog, playing and frolicking, the joy of their companionship a stark contrast to her previous suffering. But as Anastasia thrived, her former owner and others like him remained free, continuing their cycle of cruelty without consequence. While one dog’s journey ended in happiness, the fight against such cruelty continues, highlighting the urgent need for compassion and change.