When the 'Hope For Paws' team got this call, they were shocked. The LA-based charity helps to rescue homeless dogs and find them new homes, but after hearing about a dog who had been living in a garbage dump for 10 months, they knew they had their work cut out...
[post_page_title]The Garbage Site[/post_page_title]
When the 'Hope For Paws' team arrived at the place, they knew it was the exact same description they had been given. Somewhere here there was a dog in need of help, hiding amongst the garbage...
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
Can you even spot the dog in the photo above? Because she is there, but this lovely dog was so poorly kept, covered in mange and mud, that you could barely recognize her as being a dog. The dog had been worn away and was extremely skinny for her breed, with no coat growing on her back to keep her warm on many parts of her body...
[post_page_title]Dog In The Trash[/post_page_title]
It was a pitiful sight to behold. The poor dog had been living in absolute garbage for ten months, probably after being abandoned by its owner.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
The dog they had been searching for looked absolutely dreadful. It was as if it was no longer a dog, with hardly any fur growing on its skin, and a number of problems with its health. The dog was a female, so they decided to call her Miley. Miley was aware that there were a number of humans around her, but she just lay there, weak and not bothering to move.
[post_page_title]Furless Paws[/post_page_title]
As the Hope For Paws team got closer, they could see that her paws and her stomach were completely furless in some places. How had Miley managed to survive here for so long?
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
It was heart-breaking to know that this dog had been through such an ordeal and ended up living here. You could see from a distance that she had mange, but close up, it was even worse than they had initially believed. Miley needed medical treatment immediately - it was hard to tell what breed she was with all her fur gone.
[post_page_title]Bribing With Treats[/post_page_title]
It was hard trying to persuade any dog to leave their home with a bunch of human strangers, but for Miley, it was the worst thing possible. She didn't trust them, and even worse than that, she didn't have any desire to leave.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
Miley had become self-sufficient, and although she was starving, she had no idea what life would be like with humans. Miley had been living in that dump for almost a year, and leaving it after having lived there alone for so long was a terrifying thought to her. One of the team tried to coax her over with some tasty dog treats. But would she take the bait?
[post_page_title]Miley Takes The Bait[/post_page_title]
With her stomach rumbling and recognizing that yes, it was definitely food, Miley nibbled at the food before wolfing it down.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
Now they had gained Miley's trust, they decided to keep feeding her little bits of food before she changed her mind. It was vital to gain the dog's trust before just taking her away from her home because it would stop the dog from potentially getting scared and lashing out at one of the rescuers. The dogs have to feel that they are being cared for when they are rescued, and that will make it much easier to fit back into domestic life with human companions afterward.
[post_page_title]The Leash Comes Out[/post_page_title]
Dogs are a lot more obliging and will do as you wish if you have a dog lead on them, so it was vitally important that Miley felt comfortable with the team before they put a leash on her.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
First, the team decided it was best to show Miley the dog lead before, so they put it next to her so she could see it, and they could also see how he would react to it. That would make it easier to put on her afterward if she felt more comfortable with a new object by her. She ate a couple more treats, then it was time to put the lead on...
[post_page_title]The Rescue Begins[/post_page_title]
Miley had laid down again on her bed of trash, and it was becoming difficult to get her to sit up. All she wanted to do was lie down and sleep. To be honest, she really needed the rest.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
But Hope For Paws were determined to get her up and going, ready to pull her to safety and give her the medical attention she desperately needed. Now they had the leash on her, it was time to slowly convince Miley that she should come with them to safety. She was one of many dogs that have been rescued by the team on a regular basis.
[post_page_title]Not Budging At All[/post_page_title]
The moment the team gave a gentle tug on the leash, Miley was not happy. She recoiled with a slight aggression to her stance, that suggested she was not going with them.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
It appeared that this dog needed a little more attention and coaxing than they had initially believed. How were they going to get Miley out of this hideous place if she didn't want to go with them? It was a difficulty that the team had to solve. They decided to wait a few minutes, and let her lie down with the lead still on her.
[post_page_title]The Sudden Change[/post_page_title]
As Miley lay back down, one of the volunteers gave her a little affection by stroking her on her forehead. Immediately, the positive attention and love she felt from that completely melted her fears.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
This little act of compassion seemed to change Miley's mind. She warmed up to the rescuers, and almost became happy that they were there. The entire atmosphere of the rescue changed dramatically, from a difficult rescue mission with a dog that didn't want to leave, to a rescue mission where the only thing the dog desired was love and comfort from a human being.
[post_page_title]Leaving The Rubble[/post_page_title]
When one of the volunteers gave a gentle tug on the lead this time, she got up and walked with them, albeit very slowly. She was still very nervous about the entire situation.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
You can see the piles of rubble and trash that she had been living in, covered with copious amounts of dust. This had been her living environment for ten months. How any dog could manage to survive somewhere like that is beyond me. Miley deserved better, but she was still scared of what was to come, and when the team drifted too far from the dump, suddenly, she did this...
[post_page_title]The Scared Stray[/post_page_title]
Scared to leave her home in the garbage, Miley began to pull away from her rescuers, who had worked so hard to try and get her into safety and out of the dump.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
But how could she trust humans again? Most likely, Miley was an abandoned puppy who had had no love or affection from a human being ever. The last humans who had been her owners had probably abandoned her, and left her to be a homeless stray on the streets. The worst part of all was, they had probably left her in the trash.
[post_page_title]The Fast Joruney[/post_page_title]
They prayed she would continue walking with them until they got to the car. But what if she pulled away from them again? What should they do if that happened?
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
Luckily, she was scampering along now and was doing better. It was essential they got Miley as far away from the dump as possible in the quickest amount of time, so she wouldn't suddenly rethink her actions and want to go back, or cause a fuss. Who knows how long Miley had been homeless for? They knew she had been living in the dump for ten months, but what about before that?
[post_page_title]Getting Into The Car[/post_page_title]
The rescuers knew it would be too difficult to get her sitting in the backseat, so the moment she managed to get into the front, they let her stay there, where she would be safe and not scared of anything.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
She stood below the chair, but after a minute or so, Miley jumped up onto the seat so she could get a comfy spot ready for the ride ahead. The Hope For Paws team were nervous at first to see whether Miley would be okay in the car, or whether being in a confined space in the vehicle would freak her out...
[post_page_title]Time To Travel[/post_page_title]
Before they knew it, Miley had curled up on the chair in the passenger seat of the car, and was already lying down, licking her sore paws clean.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
The rescuers knew that they had to immediately take her to the vets, and get her medical attention as soon as possible, so they did just that and rushed in the car over to the nearest veterinary clinic. But it was taking a while to get there, and Miley began to get tired. She had had an exhausting day, searching amongst the rubble for food, and her encounter with humans had caused her so much fright at first...
[post_page_title]At The Vets[/post_page_title]
With a bit of a cuddle and scratch beneath the ears, she certainly felt this love and attention from the humans who had rescued her was genuine, and it wasn't long before she shut her eyes.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
it wasn't long until they arrived at the medical center for Miley, but she looked o weak already, it was hard to know whether she would survive all of her injuries and sicknesses or not. If she was too sick, the vets would have to put her down. It was all down to the inspection she would receive from one of the vets on service.
[post_page_title]The Vet's Verdict[/post_page_title]
Luckily, the nurse on duty that evening was a lovely lady who treated Miley very carefully and patiently, aware that she had been a homeless dog that was hoping to get adopted.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
Miley had a number of problems with her health, but the nurse thought that she could survive, if they give her the right treatment immediately and let her rest for a couple of weeks. it was worth a try, and as the nurse inspected Miley, the little dog winced in pain, but allowed the nurse to tend to her wounds.
[post_page_title]Heartbreaking Sickness[/post_page_title]
Miley had a range of diseases, including an infestation of fleas and parasites all over her body, mange that pulled at her skin, making it tender and sore, as well as bacterial infections in her body.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
No wonder Miley was so weak, she had not only suffered with all of these terrible illnesses, but she was also suffering with malnutrition, because she hadn't had a proper meal in years. It was a heart-breaking sight to see, but the vets were certain that she could get better. The rescuers and the vets both had belief in Miley, and wished that she would heal soon.
[post_page_title]Miley's Treatment[/post_page_title]
The vets decided that Miley would need to bathe herself in medicated baths that would help to clean up her wounds as well as get rid of the parasites.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
This wasn't going to be a quick fix for Miley, and the medication for her wounds stung when they applied cream on them, as well as the ointment that had been put in her baths. She looked smaller than ever. And now they had discovered what breed she was meant to be... Miley was a white Siberian Husky.
[post_page_title]Starting From The Bottom[/post_page_title]
Miley was finally starting to get back on track, but with all things like that, you have to start somewhere. Miley had sadly had to go back to being rock bottom to be able to heal.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
The only parts of her fur that remained had to be removed so that the vets could try and tend to all of her wounds, as well as get rid of the mange and the unkept pieces of hair that had knotted themselves together. Miley's whole body was sore, but the only part of her body she could lick was her tail, to try and make herself feel better...
[post_page_title]Miley's Misery[/post_page_title]
She was completely deflated, with a number of bandages and her paws and face pink from her red raw skin. It was one of the most heartbreaking things ever.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
There is absolutely no denying that Miley was totally shut down by this, and she was not happy about feeling and being so down in the dumps. But soon, her recovery period would begin, and hopefully, she would start to love and trust humans again. This poor dog had been through so much, it was time for her to have a better life. "It's not just the physical healing it's the mental healing," one volunteer said.
[post_page_title]Resting Space[/post_page_title]
With her bandaged legs stretched out in front of her, the poor stray Miley soon fell fast asleep. It had been a really tough time for Miley, and the team were keen to visit her to check up on her recovery.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
A week or so later, the team went to visit Miley, and a lot of her fur had begun to grow back. She seemed more perky, and happier, being a healthier dog that was now being cared for. Her recovery period had already began, and Miley felt reassured that she was in the right place. She hadn't slept so well in months! Miley slept for three days straight at the shelter.
[post_page_title]Thankful Kisses[/post_page_title]
Miley was beginning to trust again and to say thank you to the one volunteer who had convinced her to leave the dump with them, she gave him something beautiful.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
Miley gave the rescue man a little kiss on the cheek, with a little lick of her tongue. It was the first sign of love and acceptance that Miley had given out since they had met her, and it was the most rewarding thing for the rescue team to see. Miley was thankful that she had been rescued and understood that these humans had really saved her. But the story wasn't over...
[post_page_title]Frankie's Story[/post_page_title]
Another dog was introduced into the dog shelter, a tiny little dog called Frankie. Frankie had the most heartbreaking rescue of them all. He was living in the underground piping underneath a highway when he was found.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
The drain Frankie lived in was pitch black, and Frankie was a very traumatized and terrified little dog. He was scared of absolutely everything, and couldn't shake off his fears. But then, Frankie was introduced to Miley. Immediately, they became close companions and begun to take care of each other. Miley really took him under her wing. For the first time in her life, Miley had made a friend.
[post_page_title]The Pipes[/post_page_title]
This is the tunnel where Frankie had been living. If you can see, Frankie had almost made a nest out of trash in the huge pipe and was terrified and a little aggressive when the rescuers came to get him at first.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
The volunteer explained that "He had been there for a long time, and so his emotional recovery is harder." So when Frankie was introduced to Miley, it was a very special moment to witness: "These two creatures just bonded and became very good friends. Frankie was licking her wounds, so beautiful especially because he was so shut down himself when I held that camera in that room that day, I knew I captured the most amazing moment there."
[post_page_title]Best Friends[/post_page_title]
These two dogs absolutely adored each other. Frankie would even lick Miley's wounds clean, and Miley would try to cuddle up to Frankie, with her big paws.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
It was such an extraordinary tale that both of these dogs who had once been scared of everything had built up such an incredible friendship with one another. They cuddled together, they played together, and most of all, they looked after each other. Miley and Frankie became the best of friends, it was clear to see.
[post_page_title]Cuddles All-Around[/post_page_title]
Miley would help Frankie jump down from big steps because he was so small. Despite their differences in size, both dogs absolutely loved each other.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
Frankie would jump all over Miley, and both of them would give each other little kisses. It was a beautiful friendship. But soon, after both of them had been treated, it was time for them to go up for adoption in the shelter. They would be separated, but nobody would forget the special bond they had together...
[post_page_title]Healthy And Happy[/post_page_title]
Miley absolutely loved her new home, but when she saw the man who had saved her all those months ago, and completely transformed her life, she was over the moon.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
But the most incredible part of the whole story was how healthy Miley was compared to when the rescue team at Hope For Paws had first found her! She was a beautiful white husky, with an entire coat full of fur, as beautiful and as white as snow. Miley truly was a gorgeous dog. She had a lovely owner who treated her like royalty, and Miley was happier than ever.
[post_page_title]The Happy Ending[/post_page_title]
Both the rescue man from Hope For Paws and Miley found it so rewarding to be reunited with each other once again. When you rescue a dog like that, they never forget you.
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Credit: YouTube / Hope For Paws - Official Rescue Channel[/caption]
It was a special bond between the man and Miley that would last a lifetime. Miley would be forever grateful for how he changed her life, and he was delighted to see how Miley had progressed and come along so far in just a year after finding her covered in mange living in a dump. Here's to many more dogs being rescued and given a good home!
