A tiny, starving dog who was brought to Kentucky Humane Society recently met another dog who survived a similar experience and the two have became fast friends. An Uber driver had spotted the severely emaciated dog, now named Travolta, lying on the side of the road and helped him.
Travolta was covered in filth and so thin that he was in danger of death by starvation. Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) revealed that the tiny dog was half of what he should weigh.
“He weighs a mere 14 pounds and should weigh at least 30 pounds,” KHS writes on Facebook. “In addition to this, he has infected pressure sores all over his body with the most severe sores being located on his right side. His scrotum is also badly infected and he had maggots crawling all over his body.”
At only around a year old, Travola’s veterinarian thinks he had been left in this starved condition for weeks, even months. The poor pup was so weak he couldn’t stand up.
Kentucky Humane Society
However, within a few days Travolta had gained four pounds and could stand up on his own!
Looking over the condition Travolta was in, KHS couldn’t help but be reminded of another dog they rescued a year earlier. “It has been less than one year since our beloved Ethan was dumped in our parking lot in similar condition and our hearts are broken to see another animal endure the same level of agony that Ethan once did,” they write.
At that time, Ethan was the “thinnest dog we have ever seen that was still breathing.” The large Pit bull had weighed a mere 38 pounds and shelter staff seriously didn’t know if he would make it.
But Ethan miraculously pulled through. He has since been adopted into a wonderful family and has become an inspiration for rescue dogs everywhere…including Travolta.
Ethan recently visited Travolta to cheer him up and the two dogs instantly bonded. Well, the two were a bit shy with each other at first, but soon Travolta was glued to Ethan’s side.
“Look who had a visitor! Our baby Ethan stopped by our veterinary ward to give Travolta some love and support during his recovery,” KHS writes. “Travolta is doing well today. Because of how badly he was starved, we are monitoring his progress heavily and taking his recovery very slow.”
Kentucky Humane Society
“He has been able to walk for short periods of time but he tires easily and needs frequent naps and rest,” they continue to write of Travolta’s progress. “We are continuing to give him small meals throughout the day to help him gain weight and working with him to rebuild the muscle he lost while starving. Please continue to cheer this sweet guy on!”
Kentucky Humane Society
They also share that even though Travolta tires very quickly, he did manage to go out for a short walk with Ethan.
Kentucky Humane Society
Travolta is also starting to talk. “Our buddy Travolta is talking up a storm! He’s feeling good this morning and is making sure the entire veterinary ward knows it.”
It’s now been a few weeks since Travolta’s rescue and staff are happy with his progress. “All of our staff love Travolta so much and we take turns socializing him by giving him belly rubs and telling him how handsome he is. It’s been less than two weeks since he was found on the side of the road and we’re thrilled with the progress he’s made so far.”
Kentucky Humane Society
They add, “We’re so proud of Travolta’s progress so far and while he still has a long way to go, we have so much hope for his future.”
To support the Kentucky Humane Society and Travolta, please consider a donation. Donations made before January 29, 2022 will be matched.
And as of January 26, Travolta is doing even better and is now under the foster care of his doctor, Dr. Bewley.
Pupdate:
Ethan has been happily adopted and has his own Facebook Page, Ethan Almighty, where he shares his adventures with his new family. Every adventure is a happy one and Ethan has become a wonderful spokesdog for homeless and stray dogs everywhere.
He won the American Humane Hero Dog Awards Rescue Hero dog of 2022.
As for Travolta? He couldn’t have ended up in a better home. He has been adopted by Dr. Bewley, the veterinarian who nursed him back to health. She decided to keep him forever.
She announced the wonderful news on Valentine’s Day.
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