In various corners of the globe, guard dogs are a common sight, typically eliciting fear with their formidable presence. However, those who encountered a guard dog named Cala in San Jose, Costa Rica, found themselves feeling a mix of sorrow and frustration instead.
Cala’s story began at a car dealership where she was supposed to be a protector. Tragically, her owner neglected her basic needs, seldom offering her food and ignoring her health issues when she fell ill. The situation deteriorated until Cala became so feeble that standing was a struggle. Most distressingly, she was tethered by a short chain that prevented her from resting, causing painful, deep wounds as it dug into her neck.
Cala’s condition continued to decline, affecting her ability to breathe and threatening her life. Thankfully, a concerned neighbor noticed Cala’s dire situation and alerted the police. They partnered with Territorio de Zaguates, a local animal shelter, to come to her aid.
The shelter’s founder, Lya Battle, was deeply affected by Cala’s pitiful state. Recalling her first impression upon seeing Cala, she told The Dodo, “I felt desperately sad and frustrated. She appeared to have lost all dignity and seemed to have given up, enduring an unending nightmare.”
The police and the shelter rescued Cala from her negligent owner, swiftly bringing her to a veterinarian. There, Cala received much-needed medical attention for her injuries, including those inflicted by the chain around her neck. Following her treatment, Cala was transferred to Territorio de Zaguates where she began the long journey of physical and emotional recovery.
Cala’s wounds were severe and her trust in others broken, making her rehabilitation challenging. Initially, she seemed averse to other dogs, leading volunteers to speculate that she had never interacted with them before, or perhaps had been trained for aggression.
Despite initial concerns, Cala gradually started to accept her fellow dogs and slowly emerged from her shell. She transformed from a weak and withdrawn creature into a lively and confident dog. “With each day, more of her personality shone through. She went from fearing people to seeking their attention,” Battle shared.
Yet, Cala’s journey was not without further obstacles. In June, intruders poisoned several dogs at the shelter by leaving tainted sausages. Miraculously, Cala survived, likely owing to her size and the small amount she ingested, though she did face temporary neurological issues. Despite this setback, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and recovered once more.
Cala’s survival story, overcoming years of hardship and neglect, has inspired many. Today, Cala thrives with a foster family who provides her with the love and care she deserves.
For Lya Battle, Cala’s incredible recovery is just one of many dog rescues she has been part of, but it is a story she holds dear and will never forget.
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