An emaciated and injured pup named Seamus was found wandering the streets before being brought to Manhattan Animal Care & Control in New York City.
At the time, he weighed just 22 pounds, barely half of the 45 pounds he should have weighed.
As soon as the staff at North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, heard about Seamus and saw how dire his condition was, they quickly stepped in to help.
The dog needed urgent medical attention, along with care and love, so that he could regain his strength and get back on his paws.
Saving Seamus
When Deana Merino, the medical director of North Shore Animal League, first met Seamus, she was both shocked and heartbroken.
The poor pup had no strength left in his frail body, which was covered in open wounds and lesions.
“When I first saw him, it was heartbreaking. He could barely move. It was so sad. I was feeling angry and upset. How can people do this to a dog like him? How did it get this bad,“ Merino told PEOPLE.
Dr. Gerard Laheney, D.V.M., a supervising veterinarian at the rescue, examined him soon after.
He too was stunned by Seamus’ condition, saying he had not seen anything like it in his twenty years working at the shelter.
Bloodwork revealed that Seamus was anemic. Since there were no medical issues to explain his state, Dr. Laheney was certain the pup had simply been starved and abandoned.
Despite everything he had endured, Seamus was gentle and affectionate from the start. He curled up in a soft bed his caregivers gave him, finally able to rest.
As staff stroked him and spoke kindly to him, Seamus soaked up the affection, his eyes shining with gratitude.
He even managed to wag his tail, showing he understood he was finally safe.
On The Path To Healing
Smitten with Seamus and his sweet nature, Merino decided to foster him herself. She wanted to nurse him back to health while giving him all the love he deserved.
“With my medical background, I know I can help him gain weight the right way, feed him well, and offer him the love and care he deserves,” Merino added.
She placed him on a high-protein diet, carefully balancing his meals to help him regain strength.
Slowly but surely, Seamus began to recover. His weight improved, and he overcame his anemia.
Once he is fully healthy, Seamus will undergo neuter surgery and be almost ready for adoption.
Although he is still regaining stamina, he has already tried to run alongside Merino’s own dogs, eager to join their fun.
Seamus is determined to reach full health and enjoy every moment of life.
Merino is convinced he will make a wonderful companion for a lucky family. He adores snuggles and thrives on being near the people he loves most.
Seamus’ resilience and gentle spirit are truly inspiring. There is no doubt that he will find the love and happiness he has always been searching for.