We received word of an injured dog from our incredible partners at Fresno Humane that they had a dog in need of advanced medical care. He had been mauled and sustained multiple bite wounds all over his body. One bite was so severe it had fractured the bones in his front leg. They had gotten him to an emergency clinic, but needed help with the surgery and ongoing care he would need.
We arranged for an emergency transfer to Muttopia, our safe space for rescued dogs made possible through our partnership with the Center for Animal Protection and Education (CAPE).
He was in terrible shape when he arrived. He had a filthy coat and he was covered in infected and swollen bite wounds . His soulful eyes showed the depths of tenderness, but also real fear and mistrust. He would flinch whenever touched, but his beautiful, dark eyes held a glimmer of hope. We began his medical care right away. Alongside pain medications, antibiotics, bandage changes and surgery to repair the fracture, he also received the steady, loving care of our staff and volunteers each and every day.
It wasn’t long before he began to wag his once stagnant tail with enthusiasm, talked back when you told him how handsome he truly was, and danced around when you came to greet him. He even stole a few kisses. He began to let his guard down and showed his true colors: voluble, quick-witted, waggish, and gentlemanly. As he continues to heal, he learns to trust again. He placed his hope in our hands and we remain inspired as he becomes his best self and feels safe enough to do so. Handsome Harlow has began to learn that despite your darkest days, where there are pockets of light, there is hope.
Matshona Dhliwayo once said that “One smile, one hug, one handshake, one word, can change the world.” Handsome Harlow’s story reminds us that even in such uncertain times, we all have the ability to remain hopeful and heal when we show one another kindness and compassion. We look forward to his full healing and finding his forever home.
CWOB’s mission is to bring brighter futures to animals in need on both sides of the border. Making a difference to one life, one world, one day at a time, is what our organization strives to do to help dogs like our dashing Handsome Harlow. Thank you to those who so kindly offer donations, time, and support. Please donate today to help us continue to help dogs like Handsome Harlow when they need it the most.