The first time I read about Chance’s heartbreaking story, it was like a punch to the gut.
This poor puppy was discarded like yesterday’s rubbish by cruel humans. You could hardly picture the sadness in his eyes like he was staring into a world filled with pain and neglect.
He survived for months on who knows what scraps he could find while fading away.
Day after day, his hope diminished until he gave up all hope and lay curled in the garbage, waiting for death.
Then, just when everything looked lost, twinkle…
Well, a kind passerby found Chance lying in that broken and abandoned situation.
Good Samaritan took a photo and posted it to Facebook today, looking for help for the dumped dog.
When Denisse Cheuca Garcia, a co-founder of D&A Animal Rescue in Magnolia, Texas, saw that post, she felt sorry for Chance.
She balked at the image of such a delicate thing in agony, unvoiced.
Denisse immediately ran up to him.
Upon arrival, her heart sank further still; Chance was a mere shadow of his former self, all bone and little flesh.
His body was all bruised, and he did not have the strength to stand.
But when he heard Denisse’s footsteps, something awakened.
He raised his head a fraction of an inch so that his eyes, devoid of either hope or determination, could be seen.
So, in spite of his fear and mistrust of all humans, Denisse scooped him up and off to the vet, and she went.
The Fight for Survival
He had a complete checkup at the vet practice.
The news was not good: he had iron-deficiency anemia and heartworm. His condition was critical.
The vet wasted no time, giving him a blood transfusion and treating his injuries — probably from other animals while he was living on the street.
Trust was hard-earned after all he’d been through, and Chance growled at anyone who came near him during this time.
Still, Denisse stayed, comforting him through this worst of times.
Despite the endless odds against him, after a few days of care, Chance started to respond.
Fresh out of the hospital, he had a different type of road to recovery ahead.
A New Home
Denisse and their husband Arturo quickly welcomed Chance.
This little fella, however, still was a bit unsteady on his feet. Walking was always an uphill battle for him.
He should have been resting, but he stayed alert. Nobody threatened him there; his history simply did not allow him to feel safe.
It was obvious Chance had been hurt — and more than just physically; he cringed at any touch, no matter how gentle, as if they were all painful reminders buried deep in his psyche.
Denisse and Arturo gave him love, encouragement.
Bit by bit, Chance began to eat again; he even wagged his tail for the first time in a long while.
Weeks passed and the physical wounds healed, yet his heart was still needing mending.
Finding Trust Again
Patience and love from Denisse and Arturo helped Chance to realize that not all humans are out to hurt you.
The hopelessness fled his deep-set eyes as hope entered them.
He began walking up to his caregivers, requesting cuddles and enjoying their love.
But with strangers, he was so careful—still learning how to walk in a world that had once been so unkind to him.
Denisse began taking Chance out on outings to help him overcome this fear of others.
Slowly but surely, he started feeling safe outside of their home realm.
A Remarkable Transformation
Chance’s metamorphosis was amazing.
He opened up, waiting for an end to what he thought was a broken pup — and became this colorful dog I knew full of life and vibrance.
But for all of the progress he had made, Chance continued to be passed over for a forever home.
He needs a loving family to love him for the gentle spirit he is.
Please reach out to D&A Animal Rescue if you think Chance is the perfect fit for your home, and you would love a fluffy little bartender that has been through it all but still has more than enough love to give!
This cute puppy is ready to be won over with his sweet face and heart of gold. He absolutely is a happy ending our pets deserve.
