I make sure that you absolutely burn inside when you see a dog that has been abused and neglected. Unfortunately, that was the case with a dog named Cala. She was a guard dog at a mechanic’s shop near San Jose, Costa Rica. The mechanic never took her to the vet when she got sick, nor did he feed her on a daily basis. She was malnourished to the point where she couldn’t stand on her own feet and when she sat down, the short chain around her neck kept her from putting her head on the floor. Cala’s health grew increasingly worse and she even started having trouble breathing. If help didn’t come soon, Cala was going to die.
Thankfully, the neighbours salvaged Cala from the brink of mortality. They contacted local police and dog sanctuary Territorio de Zaguates. Cala was removed from the property by the police and she was taken to the vet. She was treated for wounds resulting from the chain around her neck and for severe malnourishment.
Even after she was saved, Cala’s struggles weren’t yet behind her. In June, people snuck into the sanctuary in an attempt to kill some of dogs with poison sausages. While 16 of the dogs died, this tenacious pup survived. Probably her size helped tolerate the dose — that or she only got to a small bite of it.
After this, Cala moved to a foster home where she’s currently being showered with love and attention. Cala has also become quite mischievous but her foster mom loves it. Lya Battle, founder of Territorio de Zaguates has rescued countless dogs in her lifetime, and she’ll rescue countless more — but she finds Cala’s story particularly uplifting. This rescue is an epic battle of good against bad and of hate against love, and in the end, as it always does, love wins.
Scroll down below to see pictures of Cala!
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
Cala was tied to a chain so short she couldn’t rest her head or even breathe correctly for years.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
Thankfully, the neighbours salvaged Cala from the brink of mortality.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
The neighbors reported the inhumane conditions to police and dog shelter Territorio de Zaguates.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
She was treated for wounds resulting from the chain around her neck and for severe malnourishment.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
Nursing her back to health was a lengthy and painful process for the pup.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
In addition to the pain, she was very mistrusting of other dogs and humans.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
But the rescue team was not going to give up on her.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
This is Cala a couple days after treatment, already looking better.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
In June, people snuck into the sanctuary in an attempt to kill some of dogs with poison sausages.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
While 16 of the dogs died, this tenacious pup survived.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
After this, Cala moved to a foster home where she’s currently being showered with love and attention.
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
Cala has also become quite mischievous but her foster mom loves it.
“She is happy, strong, willful, a bit stubborn, and spoiled by her foster mom and family,” reported Battle
Image credits: Territorio de Zaguates
h/t: Bored Panda