The animal heroes who help save those fur babies who have been abandoned or mistreated have had their fair share of distressing sights.
But staff at one rescue center had never seen anything like the sight of one poor pup who was brought in with the word “kill” shaved into his side.
The four-month-old stray was found by a Good Samaritan wandering the streets of Claypool, Indiana, in desperate need of medical attention; he was lethargic, vomiting, and passing blood.
Staff from the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County (AWL) said they were “heartbroken” when they discovered he was also suffering with Pneumonia and Parvo – a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that causes an infectious gastrointestinal in puppies and young dogs.
The struggling hound, named Belvas, was driven to a veterinary clinic for immediate treatment.
Staff appealed to the public for help to raise funds for Belvas’ treatment and for a foster home where he could get the love and care he desperately needed.
A GoFundMe was set up which exceeded its $5,000 goal and raised $7,549.
”He is in critical condition and we are praying that he pulls through,” organizer Sally Scott wrote back in 2021.
It took a week before Belvas could eat his first bite of food since arriving at the clinic, according to an update on his GoFundMe page. Thankfully this Belgian Malinois puppy proved to be a fighter and has made an amazing recovery.
Staff at AWL revealed that the foster family who had been caring for the dog decided to officially adopt him, giving him a new name: Riggs. Since then, he’s been thriving and truly excelling in his new home.
“He is a big fan of cuddles and LOVES bedtime. He literally runs to his cage to sleep after long day of play with his housemate.”
In 2024, AWL provided another update on Riggs, and it’s clear he’s thriving in his new home. “Riggs is living a wonderful, happy, and healthy life thanks to our incredible community! We couldn’t do what we do without your support,” the organization shared.
Help us thank all the amazing animal heroes who helped Riggs recover and give him the love and attention he desperately needed by sharing this story.
