Sadly, there is a lot of suffering in the world. Thoughts of the misery of humans naturally come to mind first, we must also keep in mind the innocent animals that are also living hard, terrible lives.
This issue is more severe in some regions of the world than others. That is seen in this tale of a husky who appeared to have no chance of success.
Never, that is, until a few good people intervened and gave him a genuine second chance at life.
Hundreds of dogs, many in terrible condition, are housed and protected at a dog complex in China. They are sent there after being discovered as stray animals or saved while being transported to slaughterhouses.
The only dog that stood out among the others was a tiny, severely dejected husky that was so defeated she hardly left her corner, even though many of the dogs romp around and enjoy each other’s companionship.
The Rescue
The Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors Animal Rescue (Harbin SHS), a rescue group, periodically visits the compound to bring in dogs that they deem are in most need of help.
When they visited the compound that day, they discovered the poor husky, with its matted fur and terribly sad eyes. They knew immediately they had to do something to help this dog, named Harriet.
According to Rachel Hinman, a volunteer with Harbin SHS, “we were touring the property in May, and in the very back corner, I see this tiny little husky looking utterly afraid.” “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 since she was so thin. She was taken right away to the veterinary facility by the volunteers.
She was thought to be about 8 months old when the veterinarian checked her.
“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.”
But naturally, there’s nothing like tender love and care. The dedicated volunteers made it their mission to bring Harriet back to life, both physically and mentally.
They carefully shaved off her extremely matted fur. The whole while, 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 of mind being malnourished, Harriet thankfully had no significant illnesses or diseases.
The Journey Home
With all the positive new energy and love around her, she soon began to gain weight and, of course, happiness, too! She became healthier and healthier… and soon enough, she was unrecognizable.
A Canadian woman named Rosee Vallee came across a picture of Harriet online and decided immediately she just 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, all the way in Canada. What a journey!
Now Harriet, who has been renamed Bailey, is enjoying her brand new life full of joy and toys and love.
“Since I have had her, we have went 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 in the world 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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