Nearly six months ago, a plea had gone out to all area animal rescue organizations in Beaufort, South Carolina, asking for help with five-year-old Timber, a shepherd/husky mix, who had mustered up all of his strength to crawl into a bush next to a home to rest.
Realizing the dog needed emergency treatment, Noah’s Ark Rescue stepped up and offered their assistance. Timber had been found less than half a mile from I-95; it was assumed he had been struck and injured by a car. How he even had been able to walk remained a mystery, but there he was, and he appeared to be on an uphill battle to survive.
Oddly, X-rays had not revealed any broken bones, indicating he had not been hit by a car, but instead had been severely neglected and abused.
He survived surgery to debride dead tissue and clean infections from the skin on his back. Drains were inserted, and his healing began. He was put on a carefully planned diet to prevent refeeding syndrome and remained in the hospital’s care for an extended stay.
By August, Timber had been moved on to the rescue organization’s rehabilitation facility in Okatie, South Carolina. It was time to give Timber the chance to be free from hospital care and transition to giving him a chance to be a dog again.
On Saturday, the rescue organization posted an update on Timber. Unfortunately, upon his arrival, he also tested positive for heartworms which had to be treated in order for him to survive and live a normal life. The medication caused some GI upset, and he lost a few pounds, but he is slowly improving under the care of his cardiologist, Dr. Jesty.
He had a mild arrhythmia on the day of treatment, but with his history of malnourishment, the medical staff is being extra cautious. They had adjusted his feedings, reduced medications and are monitoring him closely — “and through it all, Timber has stayed his happy, loving self, full of kisses and tail wags.”
Any donations you can spare help the rescue continue giving Timber and all the dogs the care they desperately need.
Thank you for loving Timber and supporting his journey.
Click here to read Timber’s previous coverage – oh what a story he has and the help he has received because of the generosity of so many people.
To donate, please click here.
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So cute ;0)
