To think about Phelps’ ordeal is truly heartbreaking.
This courageous pup was discovered inside a sewer drain in Kansas, and no one really knows how he ended up trapped there.
What was certain, however, was that he had been forced to remain in the polluted water for a long time.
Even when flooding swept through the area, Phelps refused to give up. He kept swimming, desperately battling for his life.
The hope that someone would eventually rescue him gave him the strength to endure.
Phelps’ Miracle
Then, one day, Phelps’ miracle finally arrived.
Utility workers in the area were stunned to see him stuck inside the sewer and quickly pulled him out to safety.
The pup was taken to a local pound for temporary care.
Thankfully, one of the workers who saved him reached out to a rescue group, which then contacted a foster-based organization, Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue in Olathe, Kansas.
The rescue team hurried to pick him up, and the moment they saw him, their hearts sank. He was frail, skeletal, and looked completely lost and bewildered.
So many questions filled their minds, but there were no answers.
The rescue immediately contacted their veterinary partner, who agreed to see Phelps right away.
The exam revealed that Phelps was anemic, with painful paw pads that had been damaged from standing in the toxic water for too long.
He also had a broken tail and was battling a bacterial infection.
The vet placed him on antibiotics and created a tailored feeding plan to help his body recover.
Because of his injured paws, Phelps had to wear bandages as well.
Unfortunately, gangrene soon developed in his tail, which left no option but amputation. After surgery, Phelps was finally free of pain.
“After he got his tail amputated, you could see the relief in his face. He instantly felt so much better,” Crystal told The Dodo.
The Unconditional Love All Dogs Yearn For
Crystal, the head of the rescue, decided to foster him herself. She and her family surrounded the fragile pup with affection, determined to make him feel safe.
Little by little, Phelps began to explore his foster home and grow comfortable with both his foster parents and their dogs.
They bought him toys, and his joy was clear.
“I truly think he never had toys before but he truly loves them,” Crystal added.
Throughout his recovery, Crystal continued to take him for vet checkups and regular bandage changes. His health slowly improved, and his spirit began to shine again.
Phelps also bonded deeply with his foster family’s Husky, Kato. The two became inseparable, with Kato acting as his constant source of support while he healed.
As Phelps realized he was safe, his sweet personality blossomed. He showered his foster family with kisses and affection.
It didn’t take long before Crystal and her family knew they couldn’t let him go. They officially adopted him, giving Phelps the forever home he always deserved.
Today, Phelps has fully recovered and is thriving in his new life. He adores his family just as much as they adore him, and he has truly found where he belongs.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who played a role in saving Phelps and turning his story into a real-life fairytale.