On a weekend jog with his dog last fall, a man was surprised when his pet, who usually never leaves his side, suddenly ran off into a nearby dog park. Confused by her strange behavior, he went to investigate what had caused her to rush off in such haste.
The 36-year-old dog lover, Will Green, caught up to his rescued pit bull-boxer mix, Cokie, and was shocked to find in a corner of the park what appeared to be an abandoned foxhound lying miserably in a muddy pool, looking almost dead. The emaciated canine had mud covering her fur coat after the previous night’s freezing rain, and she appeared immobile from fatigue and malnourishment.
Will got some food and water from his car, parked nearby, and fed her. She regained strength from this nourishment and was able to stand up and walk over to a nearby bench, where Will took a second look at the state of her health.
She was friendly enough, despite her poor condition, wagging her tail and nuzzling up close to the man who had shown her kindness.
“She was pretty banged up, so I called Gabrielle and we agreed it would be best to get her to the vet immediately,” he told The Epoch Times, referring to his wife, a nurse. “It was horrible that anyone could do this to a dog. She had cuts all over her body and was so emaciated that she was on death’s door. Foxhounds are always treated poorly, but this was a new level of low.”
Will, a musician originally from Baltimore, loves traveling and does so full time with his wife. Both are currently in Columbia, South Carolina.
Outraged by the injustice done to this unfortunate pooch, whom they named Lucy, they decided to adopt her as their second rescue dog. “Gabrielle and I have always been animal people, so it felt amazing to be able to help such a sweet girl!” said Will. “And she actually lives with my in-laws now.”
The couple got her to the vet right away. They learned that she is an American foxhound, around 4 to 5 years old; her health was fragile from the neglect. Weighing around 30 pounds, carrying many ailments, Lucy had contusions and cuts on her legs and stomach; she suffered from whipworms and heartworms and had tick disease.
It took months, but after seeing the vet and receiving care from the couple, Lucy became a much healthier, and happier, dog.
“It was a long road of recovery. She, unfortunately, had to be kept very calm for months due to the meds she was on, but she did great!“ Will exclaimed. ”She’s so happy to be up and running at 100 percent now though!”
Lucy was also befriended by four-legged companion Cokie, who watches over her.
“She adores Lucy and seems like she wants to protect her 24/7,” Will said of the bond between the two dogs. “Absolutely a sweetheart and Cokie’s best friend now!”
Now living a new life, Lucy has regained her health; she weighs over 60 pounds and is looking adorable, wagging her tail and greeting all her new family members affectionately when they are around.
Will encourages others to, likewise, open their doors to other animals in need: “There are millions of mistreated and homeless animals out there. Be a good human and go rescue one today. With a little patience, they’ll change your life for the better in every way!”
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