Just three weeks 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.
it was now or never, and i knew if when i saw his condition. i immediately instructed them to take him to CVRC in Charleston, SC. If we were going to save him, that was the best within a 300 mile radius.
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 now he appeared to be on an uphill battle to survive.
X-rays did not reveal 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 any 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 has been at the hospital; that is until earlier this week.
And now for some more good news.
On Tuesday, August 12, Timber was released from the hospital and has 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 give him a chance to be a dog again.
He’s now able to eat a normal diet, and even though he still requires constant care and bandage changes, a rehab facility is far better than being in the hospital. Timber continues to gain weight and is starting to stand on his own.
I learned long ago that animals heal more quickly and effectively in a home-like environment, which is why our Rehabilitation Facility is designed to resemble a home. The interior features rooms similar to those found in a typical house. This is critical because most animals in our care will spend their entire lives at our facility. We are their family, and this is their home.
Timber will require wound care and bandage changes for at least two more months, possibly longer. Once his main wound has healed, he’ll be able to socialize with the other dogs. For now, he interacts through his kennel and loves when every dog stops by to say hello.
Many thanks for helping to support Timber’s recovery. Every life counts.
Without everyone’s love and donations, none of this would be possible. Thanks for being there for Timber.
Timber’s medical bills are astronomical, however there is never a price tag on a dog’s life.
Please consider donating to Timber’s care by clicking here.
Get well soon Timber. Everyone continues to root for your full recovery. It’s great to see you taking a few steps.
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