As she went about her daily routine in her beloved home, an ardent animal advocate named Sabrina Garcia happened upon a small, furry trespasser.
This charming mouse had made its way into her residence, settling in and exploring all of Garcia’s belongings.
Not expecting a new pet, Garcia swiftly captured the little creature and took it outside to release it. While searching for a safe spot, she discovered a sewer drain that seemed like an ideal refuge.
However, as she got closer, she realized that someone was already waiting there.
The Rescue Effort
Big, luminous eyes filled with anxiety and sadness gazed up at Garcia.
It quickly became clear that these eyes belonged to a dog who had found its way into the sewer, completely isolated from the world above.
Without delay, Garcia reached out to Suzette Hall, founder of a rescue organization in Irvine, California.
“They were shocked to see him down there. He was unable to cry for help since no one would have heard,” Hall shared on Facebook.
The puppy was named Donatello, and Hall and her volunteer team set out to uncover how he ended up in the sewer.
After some exploration, they stumbled upon a tiny entrance that was far too small for Donatello to have squeezed through alone. It became apparent that this was not just a random occurrence.
“There was no way he could have gotten down there by himself. Someone must have placed him there!” Hall stated.
This shocking revelation strengthened the resolve of the rescuers and led them to discover a manhole cover concealing a ladder—the perfect tool to rescue Donatello.
Two of the rescuers descended into the sewer to find the pup while Hall and the others anxiously awaited their return.
Just a few minutes later, they emerged carrying Donatello in their arms.
“We did it! He was and is truly a miracle,” Hall exclaimed.
Healing Journey
The rescue team quickly placed the pup in their van and raced him to the Camino Pet Hospital. After all he had experienced, Donatello peacefully fell asleep in the arms of his rescuers, finally feeling secure.
At the Irvine hospital, the staff conducted a comprehensive medical assessment on Donatello and discovered that not only had he resorted to eating trash, he also had a small towel lodged in his intestines.
“He was so famished that he consumed whatever he could find. He would have perished down there,” Hall noted on Facebook.
Donatello’s condition was precarious. Fortunately, a team of compassionate individuals and medical professionals ensured he received the necessary care, including emergency surgery. He began to recover rapidly!
This sweet pup still has a journey ahead before he is fully comfortable, but with dedication, affection, and plenty of warm cuddles, his guardians are confident he will be on his feet in no time.
With one final surgery anticipated, Donatello is eagerly awaiting the chance to enjoy a joyful life in a nurturing and affectionate home. In the meantime, his foster family is committed to ensuring that he sheds any lingering anxiety, helping him rediscover his confidence.
“He deserves to learn what love feels like,” Hall stated on Facebook.
