Sadly, there is a lot of suffering in the world, and while we often think of human misery, we must also remember the innocent animals living hard, terrible lives. This is especially true in some regions of the world, as seen in the heartbreaking story of a skinny husky who seemed to have no hope – until animal heroes intervened and gave her a second chance at life.
In a dog complex in China, hundreds of dogs, many in terrible condition, are housed and protected. They arrive after being found as strays or rescued from slaughterhouses. Among them was a tiny, severely depressed husky, so defeated she barely left her corner, even as other dogs played and enjoyed each other’s company.
The Rescue: A Turning Point
The Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors Animal Rescue (Harbin SHS) periodically visits the compound, rescuing dogs in dire need. During one visit, they spotted the poor husky, her fur matted and her eyes filled with sadness. They knew they had to help this dog, whom they later named Harriet.
“We were touring the property in May, and in the very back corner, I saw this tiny little husky looking utterly afraid,” recalls Rachel Hinman, a volunteer with Harbin SHS. “I tried to touch her, but she was just sitting there. She was in poor health, and we had no idea where she had come from.”
Harriet looked much younger than her actual age due to severe malnourishment. The volunteers immediately took her to a veterinarian. The vet estimated her to be about 8 months old, a shock to the rescuers who thought she was a much younger puppy. “We thought she was a young puppy for sure, due to her size,” Rachel said. “But the vet checked her teeth and estimated she was probably 8 months old. She just must’ve been so malnourished that it affected her growth.”
Love and Care: A Transformation
The dedicated volunteers made it their mission to bring Harriet back to life, both physically and mentally. They carefully shaved off her matted fur. Throughout the process, she sat completely still, barely moving an inch.
“She was so quiet and docile,” Rachel said. “It took us a long time to shave off all her fur, but she sat there so patiently and never barked or growled. That really touched me. She had been through so much, and was naturally sweet, playful and kind.” Aside from her depressed state and malnourishment, Harriet thankfully had no significant illnesses.
A New Beginning: From China to Canada
With the positive energy and love surrounding her, Harriet began to gain weight and, more importantly, happiness! She became healthier and healthier… and soon, she was unrecognizable.
A Canadian woman named Rosee Vallee saw a picture of Harriet online and knew instantly she had to adopt her. “I knew she was for me the second I saw her; she looked so sad and all I wanted to do was make her happy right away,” Rosee told The Dodo.
It wasn’t long before Harriet was on her way to her new forever home in Canada. What a journey! Now renamed Bailey, she’s enjoying a brand new life filled with joy, toys, and love.
“Since I have had her, we have gone on road trips, we have flown together, she went to Lake Louise [in Canada]… She is my princess. She loves everyone she meets,” Rosee said.
“I see her now and it just warms my heart,” Rachel said. “I think of all the people who came together to help her — they are the real heroes of this story. Every dog deserves a second chance, and Harriet is such a perfect example of that.”
We need more people like these amazing volunteers to give animals a real chance at happiness. Please share this wonderful story of hope if you agree.
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