Imagine stumbling upon a dog lying helplessly in a small kennel on a freezing day. That’s pretty much what life has been like for Prima, who was abandoned by her owners in the winter.
Found In Horrible Shape
Prima was extremely emaciated and ate anything she could find to survive, which led to almost fatal consequences. When found, Prima was only days away from the point of no return. Her condition was much more serious than first expected, and timely treatment was her only hope.
Jannel and Robby, two volunteers from Houston, Texas, found Prima on their regular stroll through a local park, where they had been feeding dumped animals. She was lying in one of the “houses” Corridor Rescue had put out for stray animals during the winter.
As Jannel looked closer, she noticed that Prima didn’t look like an ordinary dog. Her stomach was bloated, and she could barely move, so they immediately rushed to investigate.
Source: Corridor Rescue Inc.
As they approached her kennel, they noticed that Prima was extremely skinny. Her spine was visible, and her swollen belly was possibly the result of progressed heartworm disease. The volunteers offered her some food and water, which she took with some hesitation.
Knowing that Prima would probably not make it on her own, they immediately contacted Corridor Rescue, who agreed to take in the poor girl.
Beating The Odds
Source: Corridor Rescue Inc.
At the vet, Prima was diagnosed with end-stage heartworms. Unfortunately, they migrated to her pulmonary artery, which made it almost impossible to remove with surgery.
At that point, she was considered to be a hospice patient, and the rescue’s only goal was to put Prima in a comfortable foster home where she would feel safe and loved.
Despite her unknown past, it is clear that this dog was cruelly dumped and mistreated, which ultimately led to Prima developing long-term trauma. Besides her physical condition, Prima had a hard time adjusting to a new environment and people, as she was severely traumatized.
Source: Corridor Rescue Inc.
After careful consideration, the vet team came to the conclusion that her only option would be an invasive, fast heartworm treatment, which implied a series of injections over several months.
That was her last chance of survival, and the rescue team was inclined to give her a chance. Additionally, she was kept on fluids, fed every couple of hours, and received needed antibiotics to help her go through this.
During her treatment, Prima started to exhibit signs of progress. She miraculously started to feel so much better, and her swollen belly soon disappeared. To everyone’s shock, Prima beat the odds like a champ as her heartworms slowly vanished from her body.
Miraculous Ending
Source: Corridor Rescue Inc.
Within only a few months, Prima looked nothing like her old self. She blossomed into an affectionate, loving girl who adored absolutely everything about her new life.
Once declared a hospice patient, Prima was now ready for a new home and a new beginning. And, soon enough, her new family showed up!
She found a wonderful home with an amazing family, and she couldn’t be happier. Prima thrives and shines in a new environment, as she takes on every new day as a brand-new adventure.
Thanks to giant-hearted rescuers who wouldn’t give up on her, Luna now has a whole new life ahead of her!