WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
As a rescuer, Eduardo Rodriguez had seen some of the most horrific cases of animal abuse and neglect in his career. Even so, he was left shaking in disgust when he first saw a 10-month-old puppy named Barilla.
The wee puppy was disturbingly emaciated and one could see every single bone in her body, and her organs were close to shutting down.
Source: Asociación Otra Oportunidad/Facebook
It was suspected that Barilla was locked in a cage and intentionally starved all her life, as this was the only logical explanation to her extreme emaciation.
She didn’t even have the strength to eat a morsel, and it seemed like she wouldn’t survive another night. In a desperate attempt to revive her, the vet hooked her up to an IV drip.
Despite the IV fluids, Barilla was living on borrowed time. Her muscles were gone and she would crumble down every time she tried to stand on her own.
But Eduardo never once saw her as a lost cause. He religiously stood by her side and begged her to fight back. He had to hold back his tears when Barilla stumbled and fell while trying to walk.
Source: Asociación Otra Oportunidad/Facebook
After days of continuous IV-based nutrition, Barilla’s risk of organ failure was finally gone!
But it was only a little victory, as she still weighed 15 lbs and no one knew how her wasted body would react to actual food.
Barilla’s feeding regime began with little sips of water, and then she gradually moved to having 6 tiny meals a day.
Her vitals were monitored 24/7, while Eduardo’s loving and motivating presence pushed her to endure the few bad days that she encountered.
Source: Asociación Otra Oportunidad/Facebook
It was a dream come true moment for Eduardo when Barilla valiantly defied all her setbacks and made a complete recovery! The proud rescuer decided to adopt this mighty trooper and give her the best life ever.
Barilla is unrecognizable now as she smiles away in her forever home, and we can’t help but shed a few happy tears at her miraculous transformation!
Click the video below to watch Barilla’s painful journey toward healing after being deliberately starved for months.
WARNING: The contents of this video may be disturbing to some viewers.
Please ‘SHARE' to pass on this story to a friend or family member
Next Story – Stay for one more story!
10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:
A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.
Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.
1. German Shepherd
Wikimedia Commons
No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.
2. Beagle
Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.
3. Golden Retriever
A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.
4. Border Collie
Wikimedia Commons
Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.
5. Poodle
Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.
6. Belgian Malinois
A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.
7. Papillon
Wikimedia Commons
Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.
8. Doberman
Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.
9. Bloodhound
Wikimedia Commons
Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Wikimedia Commons
You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.
Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!
