It’s soul-crushing to imagine that some dogs end up rejected and betrayed by the people whom they loved the most. Dogs give their whole hearts to their humans, so when they betray that trust, pups feel scared and confused. They don’t understand why their owners no longer love them.
A little pup named Red Vern wondered the same thing after his owners tied him to a tree and left him in the woods.
Fortunately, his story didn’t end there.
Discovery Of A Forgotten Soul In The Woods
Kids who were exploring the area near their apartment complex heard soft whimpers. They followed the sound, which led them to the woods.
When they entered the woods, they saw a small dog with a red collar. He was chained to a bamboo tree, and couldn’t stop shivering. He had no food or water. His ribcage was visible, and he was missing one eye.
He looked lost and couldn’t understand why his humans failed him. He didn’t deserve it.
The kids ran for help. Animal control couldn’t respond until Monday.
Luckily, Keri Bullock Toth, the local rescuer heard about the abandoned pup, and rushed to his aid along with her friends.
The Rescue And New Beginnings For Red Vern
Toth’s friend approached him first. Red Vern didn’t growl or snap. He looked confused and he froze. When she offered food, the pup hesitated, then slowly accepted it.
The woman broke the bamboo that held his chain and freed him. Red Vern was nervous, but he sensed that they were there to help him.
Toth took him home that night although she had no room and no funds for vet care. She knew he needed help right away.
In the morning, she reached out to Denise Gutnisky, founder of Mardi Paws, and asked her to help Red Vern. Denise immediately agreed to cover his medical bills.
Red Vern received a thorough exam, vaccines, antibiotics and stitches for his eye wound. Although he had been through a nightmare, Red Vern was kind and calm. He only flinched when someone tried to touch him from his blind side, but he always tried to trust.
Red Vern is at a foster home right now. His foster family is helping him let go of the fear he carried. He loves curling up in their laps and nuzzling into them. His foster says he would cuddle all day if he could.
Red Vern will stay there until he completes heartworm treatment. He already found his forever family. They applied to adopt him. Soon, the pup will live the life he deserved from the start.
Red Vern’s story shows us that kindness and compassion can change everything. The pup who once felt sad and lost, has a bright future waiting for him.