Rescue dog was dying of cancer, woman slept on shelter floor so he wouldn’t be alone

A few days ago, Libre was well enough to go outside with Janine, and was treated to what is likely his very first kisses.

He sure seemed to love them.

https://www.facebook.com/SperanzaAnimalRescue/videos/1001663829949104/

The tiny fighter’s got lots more kisses coming his way, we are so happy to tell you.

Janine tells us that Libre is expected to leave the hospital within about a week — and he’s headed toward his very own home.

https://www.facebook.com/SperanzaAnimalRescue/videos/1002376423211178/

With her.

“Can’t let him go,” she tells us. “I promised him the first day I saw him that if he pulled through he had a forever home waiting for him. Can’t break that promise.”

https://www.facebook.com/SperanzaAnimalRescue/videos/1002982199817267/

We’ve reached out to the Lancaster SPCA for an update on Libre’s mother. Fingers and paws crossed, we will be able to get some information about how she’s doing, as well.

We’ve reached out to the Lancaster SPCA for an update on Libre’s mother. Fingers and paws crossed, we will be able to get some information about how she’s doing, as well.

*** Original story ***

Rescuers saved Libre on July 4 — Independence Day. That’s how he got his name. It means freedom.

“I thought it was appropriate,” says Janine Guido, founder of Speranza Animal Rescue.

That’s another powerful word: Speranza. In Italian, it means hope.

Driving back from the Emergency vet in Lancaster. I can barely type through my tears. A few hours ago I was sent a picture of a puppy. Left for dead . Emaciated. Dehydrated. And clinging to life. I told the woman who contacted me to take him to the vet. Which she did. The doctor called me as I was almost there. And she said it doesn't look good. He is in and out of consciousness. Barely breathing.. in all her years he is one of the worst cases she's ever seen. She assumed I wanted to let him go. To have him euthanized, and when I said do whatever you need to do for him to have a chance , she had a surprised tone in her voice. And she said ok. After arriving, I was taken back to a room. I could smell his rotting infected flesh before I could even see his tiny head stick out of the blanket…a lump in my throat. And my vision blurred due to the tears. The doctor says his chances are slim.. very slim. Her exact words were ' he needs a miracle'. At 7 weeks old he has only ever experienced horror, and neglect. And the only thing I want is for him to know that life can be good. It can be full of love. And affection. I'm asking. And begging, please please say a prayer for this angel tonight… pray that he can fight. Fight another day. You are so loved already. Welcome to the family, Libre ❤

Posted by Speranza Animal Rescue on Monday, July 4, 2016

At the time of his rescue, it wasn’t a sure thing that Libre would even make it through the day. Independence Day might have been his last.

An unnamed breeder gave him up to animal control in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The puppy was so weak he couldn’t stand. His skin was infested with maggots, and so infected that Libre gave off a rotting smell.

“He was emaciated, dehydrated, and limp,” says Janine. “I have never in my life seen a dog this close to death. He was literally clinging to life the first time I laid eyes on him.”

Source: Dillsburg Veterinary Center

Libre was transferred into the care of the Dillsburg Veterinary Center. He got antibiotics and laser treatments, and the maggots were removed from his skin.

Libre ate a little wet food — an indication of the strength, underneath the sickness.

“He actually gobbled it down quickly and then lifted his little head up on his own!!! Although he is still in very critical condition, he is a fighter and is being lifted up with all your prayers,” the vet clinic posted to Facebook — along with some photos of the tiny, sick, determined little boy.

Source: Dillsburg Veterinary Center

Libre’s condition has improved bit by bit, day by day. His caretakers post his incremental progress, and setbacks, to Facebook.

On July 9, Libre ate a whole can of food but didn’t drink water, and vet staff had a hard time keeping his temperature stable.

Source: Dillsburg Veterinary Center

Later in the day, his caretakers cheerfully announced that he’d eaten two more cans of food, proving to everything that he “is a fighter.”

Libre Update- He just showed us that is a fighter! After a rough morning and afternoon, he just devoured TWO cans of food! Keep the prayers coming❤️

Posted by Dillsburg Veterinary Center on Saturday, July 9, 2016

The last few days have also had some ups and downs – and not just for Libre.

Libre’s breeder has also surrendered the pup’s mother. She is with the Lancaster SPCA — a shelter which also provides humane law enforcement functions in the county. Reports say that Libre’s mother is also very sick.

The Lancaster SPCA announced that it would not be pursuing animal cruelty charges against the breeder responsible for Libre and his mother. Susan Martin, the shelter’s director, told Lancaster Online this decision was made because it’s not possible to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt that the individual willingly and knowingly grossly neglected care for the animal intending to cause foreseeable grave injury or harm.”

Source: Dillsburg Veterinary Center

“Saying the dog wasn’t in such bad condition — I don’t know how it could have been in worse condition,” Janine told that publication, in response.

When BarkPost called the shelter on Monday, we were told they could not provide any information about the mother’s condition, but that a press release would be coming out shortly.

“We are hoping and praying his mother is doing well,” Janine tells us. “I have not seen any pictures or updates.”

Source: Dillsburg Veterinary Center

“This disgusts me and has outraged everyone that is supporting and following Libre’s story,” says Janine — who has vowed to keep attention on Libre’s story, to keep fighting for him, to keep fighting for justice. She wants answers as to who let this happen. Who let Libre — and his mother, presumably– get this sick?

Source: Dillsburg Veterinary Center

She’s vowed to keep fighting for Libre’s life, too.

Libre is not out of the woods yet. He may still lose his eyes to infection. He still needs round-the-clock care.

#LibreStrong #happyoneweek #youareamiracle

Posted by Speranza Animal Rescue on Monday, July 11, 2016

But — here’s the good news — he’s started standing up, all on his own. He is eating. He even put on half a pound.

If he makes it, Libre will go into a foster home. Then he’ll go up for adoption.

Janine wants him to have love, and affection, and a soft bed. To run in the grass, and play ball.

“He has suffered the majority of his short life. He deserves to be showered with kisses, cuddles, and hugs,” Janine says.

Source: Dillsburg Veterinary Center

She wants to give Libre the freedom of being a loved, treasured pet. But first he has to recover, from being a commodity.

There’s good reason to hope, that he will.

Libre Update-He just got up from a long nap after his medicated gauze bath for his wounds. His attitude has been great so far today. Still waiting on culture/sensitivity reports from the laboratory. Should have those reports by tonight or tomorrow morning. Even though he has been on multiple antibiotics since day 1, this report will determine which antibiotics are sensitive or resistant to his bacteria which is pseudomonas. Prayers for a lot of antibiotic sensitivities so we can win over this nasty infection he has.

Posted by Dillsburg Veterinary Center on Sunday, July 10, 2016

“With each improvement he shows us why he is an inspiration to all of us,” says Janine. “This little 4-month-old pup is not giving up. He is a true fighter and has such a will to live.”

Follow Libre’s progress on the Dillsburg Veterinary Center Facebook page.



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