Matilda was found as a free roaming stray roaming in Fresno. Her injuries were immediately apparent. She had wounds on the bridge of her nose and muzzle. One on her head. Another on the nape of her neck. Two large wounds  on her underside.

It was only after she was being triaged  that the cause of those wounds became apparent, when a large bullet was removed from the injury on her back.

Matilda had been shot. Multiple times.

Yet, she was alive.  It was a miracle.

Thanks to our truly tireless friends at Fresno Humane who got the call, Matilda received emergency veterinary care and was stabilized. She was returning to their shelter just as we were leaving last Saturday, after a long day of rescue.

One look at that sweet face and we knew we had to scoop her up and bring her with us , right there and then.

As a veterinarian, I wanted to tend her wounds, manage her pain and evaluate her injuries further. As an animal lover, I wanted to hold her close, tell her it was going to be all right, and love on her with all my heart.

So, we took her. 

And, she is nothing short of incredible.

She’s had to undergo an additional surgery and some dental work for the  bullet wound to her mouth, but overall is healing incredibly well.

This little dog, who has endured such severe physical injuries is, by all measures, emotionally untouched. She is trusting, happy, carefree and loving. She is truly the living essence of resilience.

She has an effortless joy that radiates from her with such strength that nothing, not even a bullet, can touch it. She is an absolute delight.

The advice she seems to offer each of us is simple – we are not what happens to us, but what we choose to become.

As for Matilda? Her choice seems pretty straightforward. She chooses to be happy. We are so glad we can guarantee that from here on out, that choice will be hers to make every day of her life.