Bentley’s Rescue: From Pain and Neglect to Hope
When HOPE received a call from a kind aunty who regularly feeds strays, the message was urgent: a dog with a gaping wound behind his right ear was in desperate need of help. She could see deep inside the wound, and the smell was unmistakable — it was infested with maggots.
A photo confirmed the severity of the case, and Fiona from HOPE immediately mobilized the team to rescue the dog. I lived closest to the site, so I grabbed a leash and rushed over. Unfortunately, there was no sign of him that night, and after hours of searching in the rain, we had to call it off.
The following evening, the weather poured heavily again. While we waited for the rain to pass, we learned more about the dog’s situation. He had grown up in a factory, but the landlord had locked the premises after unpaid rent, leaving the animals to fend for themselves. Luckily, the stray dogs and cats managed to slip out in search of food, and feeders like this aunty kept watch over them.
Later that night, around 11 p.m., the aunty called with good news: a factory worker had managed to spot the injured dog. We rushed back and, after a struggle, finally secured him in a carrier. The stench of rotting flesh filled the car as we drove him straight to the vet.
Fiona named him Bentley.
At the clinic, Bentley slowly stepped out of the carrier, his head hung low. Despite his size — bigger than a Labrador — he was gentle and docile, allowing himself to be led on a leash. But when he shook his head, pus and maggots splattered across the room, showing just how severe his wounds were.
As the vet prepared fluids and medication, Bentley began to grow drowsy — a dangerous sign of septicemia. When his fur was shaved back, more horrors were revealed: at least eight deep bite wounds around his neck, ears, and legs. It was clear Bentley had been attacked by stronger dogs, likely because of his sweet, submissive nature.
The vet team carefully flushed the wounds, removed the maggots, and cleaned every puncture site. Despite the immense pain he must have endured, Bentley remained calm — a gentle giant through it all.
Now safe with HOPE, Bentley is receiving treatment and recovering day by day. His future, however, is uncertain. With his “family” moving to another location, the dogs left behind risk becoming homeless.
Bentley is goofy, calm, and incredibly sweet — the kind of dog who wins hearts instantly. As Fiona says, he reminds her of Harry, another gentle giant we once rescued. For anyone lucky enough to adopt Bentley, we can guarantee he’ll bring endless love and loyalty.