On Tuesday's update, an abandoned, gentle, and seriously injured white pit bull mix dog now named Mandela continues to fight for his life at the emergency facilities of Stray Rescue of St. Louis. As his battle rages on today against what his veterinarians suspect might be tetanus, this young dog's indeterminable spirit remains a constant reminder of the importance of responsible pet guardianship, proper care, and a dog's voiceless plea for help.
Mandela's tragic story began on Feb. 1 when Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis was called about an abandoned, emaciated dog with a severe injury to his leg. When Grim was able to make contact with the dog and picked him up, the starving and dehydrated dog's back leg was cold and black with his lower leg bone exposed.
Mandela was immediately rushed to emergency trauma care where his condition was stabilized by pain medications, intravenous fluids, and hydration. The dead part of his paw that had turned black was amputated to prevent further infection, and a few days later the rest of his leg was removed.
"If this was a human, he or she would not have survived," stated Grim, although each rescue carried out by this organization never seems to dampen the spirits of those associated with Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
No one really knows where Mandela spent the earlier part of his life, but with one ear missing and a scar on his lip, it is more than likely this dog struggled to survive.
Along with the prayers and well wishes for a speedy recovery, Grim hopes this egregious and heartbreaking story of a suffering dog will emphasize the need for everyone to spay and neuter their pets, to practice responsible guardianship for our canine companions, and to keep them safe from harm.
February is Spay and Neuter Month. Please help all dogs and cats by being responsible humans.
Mandela's recovery will be very expensive. You may donate to the Strack's Fund by clicking here.
Follow Mandela's story and the amazing rescue of other dogs on Facebook by clicking here.
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