In the spring of 2019, volunteers from Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) responded to a distressing call about a wounded dog tied to a fence. What they found shocked them: a helpless pup whose face was swollen to nearly five times its normal size.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
Marco, as rescuers later named him, had been abandoned and left in the sun to suffer. His body was covered in infected wounds, and his pain was so severe that he could barely move.
“His wounds went unattended, and he sat there in the sun suffering,” SRSL shared in a Facebook post.
Despite his condition, Marco greeted rescuers with gentle trust. They carefully cut him free, cradled him in their arms, and rushed him to SRSL’s animal hospital.
A Fight for His Life
At the clinic, veterinarians discovered Marco was septic. Months of intensive treatment followed: IV fluids, antibiotics, pain medication, and round-the-clock care. His recovery was long and uncertain, but he never stopped fighting.
“The most amazing part is he still loves and trusts humans,” SRSL wrote. “He still looks to them for love and gives love.”
The Transformation
Slowly, Marco’s swelling went down, and his true face was revealed — a handsome, affectionate pup full of personality. Once he was strong enough, he moved into foster care with Katie, a dedicated SRSL volunteer.
Katie quickly fell in love with Marco’s spirit and adopted him permanently.
A Life Full of Love
Today, Marco is thriving. He spends his days stealing blankets, watching the neighborhood from his favorite bay window, and soaking up endless love from his forever family.
“Marco is spoiled rotten… like, really rotten,” Katie said. “He’s the perfect combination of silly, sweet, smart, and protective.”
The dog who was once unrecognizable is now the beloved heart of his home — proof of what compassion and second chances can do.
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