Rescue Miracle: Emaciated Dog Found Hanging by Chain Saved Just in Time

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

A heartbreaking scene unfolded when a severely emaciated dog collapsed from exhaustion, unable to stand any longer.

Her desperate attempt to rest on a pile of rags was thwarted by a small chain tightly twisted around her neck, leaving her head hanging aimlessly.

Cala’s Employment

Cala, the abused canine, had been employed as a guard dog by a mechanic in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Sadly, her supposed caregiver failed to provide proper nutrition or seek veterinary care when she became ill.

Cala’s health deteriorated gradually, and keeping her head up became a struggle with every breath.

With time running out, concerned neighbors intervened, alerting local authorities and contacting the humane team at Territorio de Zaguates, a renowned local sanctuary dedicated to the welfare of thousands of dogs.

Lya Battle, the founder of Territorio de Zaguates, felt deep regret and anger upon seeing Cala’s condition. “The first picture I saw of her showed a pitiful creature robbed of its dignity and ready to give up—a dog whose spirit had been broken and was just waiting for the end to come while living a never-ending nightmare,”

Cala was swiftly removed from her tormentor’s property by police and sanctuary staff who responded to her distress call.

She was taken to a veterinarian, who treated her severe emaciation and the wounds caused by the constricting chain.

Finding Refuge

Cala then found refuge at Territorio de Zaguates, where she began her journey of physical and mental recovery.

Cala had to endure painful procedures to heal her wounds, especially the deep gash caused by years of hanging from the cruel metal chain around her neck.

Despite the pain, Cala learned to associate love and rewards with the agony she endured, pushing through each stage of her rehabilitation.

Initially wary of other dogs, Battle suspected that Cala had either never encountered other dogs or had been taught to see them as threats.

However, as she interacted with other dogs and the caring people around her, trust slowly blossomed.

“We saw Cala go from a weak, feeble animal, too depressed to care, to a stronger creature willing to stand up for herself,” Battle said. “We also got to see that willful creature incorporate play and goofiness into her daily routine over time.”

Each passing day revealed more of her personality.

She transformed from being terrified of humans to trusting them and even seeking their attention.

Cala’s challenges, however, were not over.

Malicious individuals infiltrated the sanctuary and left poisoned sausages, resulting in the deaths of 16 innocent dogs.

Cala had inadvertently consumed one of the sausages but miraculously survived.

“When we found her, Cala was still alive,” Battle said. “Perhaps her size helped her tolerate the dose, or perhaps she only took a small bite.”

Although Cala was rescued, she suffered from neurological issues for a while afterward, but she eventually recovered.

She’s simply too tough!

Battle believes that there are no coincidences in life.

Cala’s survival, despite years of neglect, abuse, starvation, and disease, is a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Just as she began to see the value of life, humans reappeared to inflict more pain.

Getting A New Home

While the sanctuary mourned the loss of other beloved dogs, Cala’s incredible survival highlighted her resilience.

Cala, now in a foster family, enjoys the abundant love and care showered upon her.

Despite years of abuse and torment, Cala is gradually shedding her past and embracing a playful side, a development her foster mother cherishes.

“After years of neglect, torture, and imprisonment, Cala appears to be going through the mischievous phase that puppies frequently go through, and we all think that’s fine,” Battle said. “She is happy, strong, willful, a bit stubborn, and spoiled by her foster mom and family.”

With a lifetime of rescuing dogs behind her and many more to come, Battle finds Cala’s story particularly inspiring. It portrays an epic battle between good and evil, hatred and love, with love emerging victorious.

“This rescue is an inspiring tale of love triumphing over adversity and serves as a reminder to never give up,” Battle said. “It strengthens our resolve to fight the good fight for a little while longer.”