There’s a big difference between a reputable breeder and an uncertified backyard breeder. The former is known for taking excellent care of their pet parents. The latter, unfortunately, has a reputation for providing poor or even malicious treatment.
The sad truth is that backyard breeders are more common than many of us realize. With more than 10,000 puppy mills in the US alone, there are thousands of puppies (and their mothers) going without the love and care they deserve.
One of these mamas was a Shar Pei named Sofi, a purebred female abandoned by her owner. Half-blind, sick, and in severe pain, she needed a miracle to find the life she deserved.
Thankfully, a miracle is exactly what these good Samaritans provided.
Discovering Sofi
While working at a landfill in Campo Largo, Brazil, a group of garbage collection workers found a dog in a cardboard box. She appeared to be in rough condition and didn’t react when they called to her. After a few attempts to get her attention, they realized she was nearly blind.
Source: Animal Shelter
The workers moved quickly to help the suffering dog by calling the local rescue group Instituto S.O.S 4 Patas Paraná (roughly translated to The Help Institue 4 Paws in Paraná). Volunteers wasted no time stepping forward to evaluate the situation and rescue the pup.
A Long Road to Recovery
Sofi had been left in a shocking condition. She refused to leave her cardboard box and was obviously scared and confused. Volunteers could see multiple cuts and bruises, and most of her body was hairless and blistered.
Source: Animal Shelter
The Institute 4 Paws took her in for a medical evaluation, where they discovered she had birthed a litter of puppies just 60 days prior. The owners had abandoned her when she was ‘no longer useful,’ leaving her with skin lesions, ear infections, and eyes almost beyond saving.
But the Institute’s volunteers refused to give up on Sofi, and worked tirelessly with their vet to make the mama dog more comfortable. They administered medication, performed minor eye surgery, and ensured that Sofi had all the love she could handle.
Source: Animal Shelter
Sofi’s Miracle
Despite the fears of the volunteers and vets, Sofi did not end up losing her sight. This mama made a miraculous recovery — no scabies, skin infections, or swollen skin remained.
Source: Animal Shelter
Perhaps even more miraculous was how Sofi found her new owners. This pair of dog lovers jumped at the chance to provide her with a home. With a similar dog at home for companionship, Sofi will never be alone again.
Source: Animal Shelter
“Dogs always consider us [for] everything,” says YouTube channel Animal Shelter. “Love and protect the dogs next to you. You’ll receive the magic in return.”
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