If you’re committed to saving dogs’ lives, there’s an unwritten rule: you never know when you’re about to make a heartbreaking discovery.
It’s both terrifying and encouraging to realize that the only lifeline between dogs moving forward and giving up is – you.
Suzette Hall, a long-time rescuer from Southern California, and her friends know this all too well. They’ve literally seen it all: abandoned dogs, severely injured ones, and dogs on the verge of the inevitable. One motto they held onto during all those missions was to never give up. And, they didn’t.
Just like they didn’t give up when they found Tillie crying desperately in the bushes.
She Was In So Much Pain
Despite her experience, Hall couldn’t contain her heartbreak when she saw Tillie for the first time. She was lying helplessly in the bushes, refusing to move at all.
At first, it was unclear why until they saw it: Tillie was severely injured and she literally couldn’t stand up. All she could do was cry in pain, hoping her misery would end soon.
“This poor little puppy has been crying in the bushes since yesterday. She cannot stand up,” Hall wrote in her initial Facebook post.
Hall and her team knew time was crucial. They slowly picked her up and loaded her into their car. Soon enough, Tillie was at the vet clinic, about to have her very first checkup.
Her prognosis was not ideal, though. Given her physical condition, the rescuers assumed Tillie had sustained a major spinal injury. However, the reality was a little more encouraging than that!
The tests revealed that Tillie had a fractured pelvis, which required intensive care and pain meds for the next following weeks.
“I have named her Tillie. Poor baby was in so much pain. She has a fractured pelvis… She has pain meds and getting lots of love. She will never have to beg for help ever again,” Hall added in another post.
On the positive note, she didn’t sustain other injuries.
Despite her difficult life, she remained a fighter who now, thanks to her rescuers, gained a second chance at life.
And, she was definitely willing to take it!
Over the next following days, Hall urged her friends and followers to help Tillie find a suitable foster home.
Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long.
Heartwarming Update
Just four days later, Hall posted the sweetest update on her Facebook, saying that Tillie found her foster home.
She was taken in by wonderful caregivers who will do everything to help her recover at her own pace. For now, Tillie needs cage rest, with small potty breaks outside the house until she is fully ready to walk again.
“She does have a fractured pelvis and just needs cage rest, small potty breaks outside, and love,” Hall added.
One thing is for sure: Tillie is exactly where she’s supposed to be. She’s surrounded by wonderful people, receiving all the love in the world, and learning all about family life.
Once she’s ready, Tillie will be looking for her forever home.
But, she will never, ever be alone anymore.