We discovered Diogo when he was rummaging through the trash, desperately searching for food. The moment he turned to look at us, everyone was shocked. Half of his face was missing, the flesh torn away, and insects were feasting on the exposed wound. His appearance was horrifying, but despite the severity of his injuries, there was a glimmer of life in his eyes. It was clear that Diogo was fighting to survive, even in the most dire circumstances.
Concerned for his well-being, we immediately took Diogo to the hospital to get a proper assessment of his condition. The results from the X-rays were staggering. The doctors discovered two bullet wounds in his legs, and the wound on his face was a direct result of a bullet passing through it. His condition was grave, with a very high level of infection and dangerously low blood levels. The presence of ticks suggested that he also had ehrlichiosis, a severe tick-borne disease that could complicate his recovery.
While waiting for the doctor’s decision on the next steps, we carefully bathed Diogo. The wound on his face had drained a significant amount of fluid, and his entire body was covered in it. Despite the gruesome sight, he remained calm, as if he knew he was finally receiving the care he desperately needed. The bath also allowed us to get a better look at his body, which revealed a large amount of dead and necrotic tissue that would need to be removed in order to save him.
Diogo’s treatment plan was intense. The doctors decided to change his bandages regularly to monitor the wound and prevent further infection. They also prepared to give him a blood transfusion to stabilize his condition before performing surgery to clean the wound. With every passing hour, Diogo’s future seemed uncertain, but we were determined to do everything in our power to give him a chance at life.
The road to recovery was long and painful for Diogo. After surgery, his face was swollen and puffy, but his remaining eye was perfect, a hopeful sign that he could pull through. Despite the immense pain he endured, Diogo fought hard, showing incredible resilience. The trauma he had faced and survived was unimaginable, but his strength and determination to live were undeniable.
Now, several weeks later, Diogo is still under constant care, with medical staff watching over him 24/7. His recovery is slow but steady, and with each day, he grows stronger. The journey from a broken, neglected dog to a survivor has been nothing short of miraculous. Diogo’s story is a reminder of the unimaginable suffering some animals endure and the power of compassion, care, and medical intervention in turning their lives around. We are hopeful that, with continued care, Diogo will soon be ready to start a new chapter, one filled with love and happiness.
