Gus, a Texas dog rescued from severe abuse, is healing at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Houston Chronicle reports the abandoned dog was found roaming a Houston street with a shoestring embedded around his neck and suffering from what appeared to be a severe infection on his neck. A more thorough examination showed he had also been repeatedly shot with a pellet gun in addition to the trachea damage caused by the shoestring.
“This is torture, the very definition of it,” Rob Acuῆa told KHOU.
X-ray photos revealed at least 25 pellet wounds, with some pellets still lodged in him.
Veterinarians feared that the scarring from the neck wound was too close to his jugular vein and carotid artery. But a week after surgery, ABC 13 reports he is making major strides compared to how we was when he was first rescued.
“He moved, but very slowly. He did not have personality. His head was so swollen and so heavy,” said veterinarian Dr. Lisa Howe.
“It’s wonderful to see him blossom and not be afraid of people despite what could’ve happened to him,” said veterinarian Dr. Daniel Eckman.
Having the band around his neck removed helped with the severe swelling. Another surgery is still needed, but vets expect him to make a full recovery.
Marina Harrison is fostering Gus while he heals.
“He gets along great with my dogs. They all interact well and go outside together,” she said.
Gus is learning to have fun and be a normal dog.
“He is starting to light up the room. Everybody loves him and he loves everybody despite his hard early months,” Howe said.
Harrison believes Gus’ story is a lesson in forgiveness.
“I’m constantly surprised at the number of animals that are just so forgiving; their tenacity and their ability to brush it off,” Harrison said.