Blind shepherd thrown into sea on one of coldest days of year rescued by fisherman and cuddles with rescuers

A blind one-year-old Malinois shepherd was rescued from freezing water by a fisherman at Balbriggan Harbor, Co Dublin late last week when temperatures were freezing and deadly. When found, the fisherman wrapped in blankets and brought to the Dublin County Shelter, but the dog’s condition was so poor, rescuers decided to transfer him to Ireland’s Star Rescue.

Amidst the freezing water and the frightening situation, the dog was found swimming and trying his best to stay afloat. Tragically, it is thought the dog, now dubbed Ash, had been intentionally dumped in the water in an area where he was unlikely to have been able to escape and get back onto the safety of the land.

Imagine being blind. Your whole world is already a scary place to be. You spent the first year of your life depending on people around you for food, water, shelter, safety.

One day you are bundled up into a car. This in itself must be a huge act of trust as a visually impaired creature. But with the fullest heart you bound in. When you pull up you can hear the water and a smell of salt in the air. Zoomies on the beach? No.

They found someplace you couldn’t climb out. They found a place you couldn’t escape and threw you off the edge to drown to your death on the coldest days of the year.

Facebook Star Rescue

At this point, Ash continues to fight for his life and has found comfort in cuddling with a member of the rescue team. He is currently being evaluated at a veterinarian hospital where he continues to be unsteady on his legs, his eyes bulge and he suffers from double cataracts.

We don’t know what his future holds right now. All we know is we need to give a chance to the young dog who wouldn’t give up. This is going to be an expensive journey together. BUT we owe it to ash and his resilience, to his kind nature, to his gentle soul.

Facebook Star Rescue

Two days ago, Ash’s condition worsened. He became lethargic, lost his spark and went downhill very rapidly. His blood work showed an infection, and he had stopped eating and drinking. He was placed on drip antibiotics and fluid therapy.

As of this morning, Ash continues to fight for his life and started eating after having been visited by the rescue volunteers. He is a long way from being safe and has a long road ahead of him. Let’s just hope he can pull through the next few days.

More updates to follow.

To help with Ash’s medical expenses and care. donations can be made via:

https://paypal.me/StarRescueIE

https://www.idonate.ie/cause/wlaa

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