Tied to a trash can with garbage scattered around him, Charlie had no choice but to sit there until someone found him. His face was swollen from being beaten, he was hungry, and completely alone, until two kind-hearted individuals spotted him and came to his aid.
The couple hurriedly took the 2-year-old pitbull to the Philadelphia Animal Hospital. What the veterinarians saw when they examined him for the first time was unlike anything they had ever seen before.
Adria Rebbecchi, the director of communications at the animal hospital, told The Dodo:
“We lifted up his jowls, and the insides of his cheeks and lips were completely infested with worms. He was in so much pain that he didn’t even want to move.”
Recognizing the urgency of Charlie’s situation, the animal hospital immediately began treatment.
Adria said:
“One of the people who brought him to us has been a longtime client, and when we saw Charlie, we were just so glad to be able to get him the help that he needed.”
Adria’s father decided to cover all of Charlie’s medical expenses right then and there.
The veterinarians put Charlie on pain medication and immediately planned surgery to help him with his lips and mouth. Due to the advanced worm infestation, the tissue was too damaged to be saved and had to be removed.
Sweet dog left tied to a trash can to die They had to make the decision to attempt surgery for weeks in an effort to help him regain some of his lips.
Charlie’s injury made it difficult for him to eat, but the veterinarians provided him with small meals several times a day to ensure he was rebuilding his body. Gradually, he began to regain his strength, and his sweet personality started to shine through as his pain diminished.
Adria said:
“He let the people who found him walk right up to him and pick him up, so we assumed he was sweet. He’s been happy to be around people ever since and hasn’t stopped giving kisses and trying to play. Given his condition, he’s very comfortable with people.”
Natalie Barber soon became one of his favorite people. She works with City of Elderly Love (COEL), an organization specializing in senior pets. She frequently visited Charlie at the hospital and encouraged him from the day he arrived.
The veterinary team knew he would need a foster mother, and she was the perfect candidate. After three months of intensive medical care, Charlie just moved in with his new foster family this week. He’s already making new friends.
Adria said:
“The family has another dog, and he loves having company. He’s also fascinated by his foster mom’s son, Lucas!”
Since the veterinarian found a microchip in Charlie, the local ASPCA is actively investigating his previous owner to gather details about how the dog ended up in such a terrible state of health.
Once the investigation is complete, he will be available for adoption, although it seems like Charlie is already content.
“He looks and feels like a brand new dog. It’s great to see him happy.”
More information: City of Elderly Love: Save a Senior Pet
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