Just about a month ago, a tiny blonde terrier had barely been alive. Benji had been tossed into a dumpster in Waco, Texas, tied into a trash bag. Fortunately, kind people and The Mama Nutmeg Foundation stepped up to help.
According to the shelter, employees of the store where Benji had been thrown into the dumpster spotted a man throwing a large trash bag and then quickly driving off. The employees were suspicious and rushed out to see what had been dumped, and there he was – the bloody little pup barely alive. They immediately called animal control.
The Mama Nutmeg Foundation posted the story on their Facebook page describing the heartbreaking situation. Benji was rushed to the Bee Creek Veterinarian Hospital:
initial reports were that he was shot in the belly, but after being sedated and shaved, it is clear he was attacked by a large dog and violently shaken…
Fortunately, Benji had no broken bones and no spinal injuries. He was estimated to be three years of age, in good weight and free of fleas although his mouth was reported to have been full of mud. He was not neutered or microchipped, so that made his history a mystery.
He was incredibly painful, swollen, unable to walk, and had a puncture wound so deep that it went thru the chest wall and into the lung! It took many sedation sessions to keep the wounds flushed, debrided, and eventually stitched closed. He was walking (granted he was left with a limp) and ready to take on his new life!
Police had video footage of the area and the man who threw Benji into the dumpster was found. He stated the little dog had wandered into his yard, and his own large dog attacked. The original owner was also tracked and told authorities Benji dog had been missing, and he had been terribly worried about him. Because of Benji’s injuries, the owner felt it was best to surrender his dog so Benji would be able to receive the best care possible.
Check out his video after being released from the hospital: (Viewers must have a Facebook account to view Facebook Watch. We apologize for any inconvenience.)
Oh boy! Then there was one more hurdle for Benji to overcome. “After having to endure regular hydrotherapy, multiple sedations to debride and flush wounds, and neuter surgery, Benji was officially discharged into foster care BANDAGE FREE!
Recovery was a lot of waiting and monitoring and finally suturing the wounds closed bit by bit as they healed. Then we hit an unexpected complication…. when we put him under to clean wounds and do his neuter, our vet noticed a hissing sound. One of the puncture wounds had actually gone thru the chest wall all the way into his lung! This wasn’t initially revealed on radiographs, so we are so glad doc caught it and was able to fix him up on the spot.”
And on Friday the best Benji announcement was posted on the organization’s Facebook page. No doubt, Benji has lots of foster applications as well as adoption offers, but the rescue wanted it to be the best match for HIS needs. He needed playmates, stability, and lots of love. Now, he’s got a great family and three new pack mates to take on his new life!
Enjoy your life Benji! You are one terrific and brave little guy.
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