In a world where countless dogs struggle to find their place in a shelter, let alone a loving home, the story of Timber, a young Labrador Retriever, serves as a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and the resilience of the canine spirit.
When rescuers from The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County discovered eight-month-old Timber in a wooded area of Eatonville, Washington, their hearts shattered at the sight of his dire condition.
On the Brink of Crossing the Rainbow Bridge
Timber, unable to walk and barely clinging to life, had been left to fend for himself in the dense forest.
His eyes, sunken from severe dehydration, and his kennel, coated in bloody diarrhea, painted a grim picture of his struggle for survival.
Tests quickly revealed the culprit behind Timber’s deteriorating health – parvovirus, a highly destructive virus that wreaks havoc on a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and can be fatal if left untreated. For a young pup like Timber, the odds were stacked against him.
Lauren Green, from the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, told Newsweek that Timber was in a “dire condition” when he was first found, with an elevated heart rate and extreme lethargy in addition to his other symptoms.
A Race Against Time
Recognizing the urgency of Timber’s situation, the rescuers wasted no time in transporting him from the woods of Eatonville to their animal shelter in Tacoma.
There, a dedicated veterinary team was waiting to provide the life-saving care he so desperately needed.
“Once infected, immediate medical intervention is required to give the dog a fighting chance against the disease,” Green explained.
Timber came to our care just in time to receive treatment and begin on the road to recovery.
The shelter’s medical team sprang into action, administering a $1,200 antibody medicine and providing round-the-clock care, including IV fluids and nutritious food, to help Timber combat the devastating effects of parvovirus.
Hope on the Horizon
Although Timber’s journey to recovery is far from over, his rescuers remain optimistic about his future.
“Timber may be out of the forest, but he’s not out of the woods yet,” Green noted. “Despite the long road ahead, he has maintained a gentle demeanor and cooperation throughout his treatments.”
In a stroke of good fortune, Timber has found a foster home where he can continue to heal, both physically and emotionally.
Surrounded by love and care, this brave pup now has the chance to experience the joys of a happy, healthy life.
Studies have shown that even short periods of one-on-one petting can significantly improve a shelter dog’s well-being, and the extended stay in a foster home is sure to work wonders for Timber’s recovery.
If Timber makes a full recovery, he may be neutered and available for adoption as early as the end of the month. Like all the deserving pets at our shelter, Timber would thrive with any family looking to welcome a furry companion into their life!
Looking to the future, Green shared some exciting news with Newsweek.
Timber’s story is a testament to the unwavering commitment of animal rescuers and the incredible resilience of dogs in the face of adversity.
As we celebrate his second chance at life, let us also remember the countless other dogs still waiting for their own happy endings and do our part to support the organizations working tirelessly to save them.