Picture stumbling upon a dog lying pitifully in a small kennel on a bitterly cold day. That’s the life Prima endured after being abandoned by her owners during the winter months.
This remarkable girl was incredibly malnourished, foraging for anything edible to sustain herself, which nearly cost her life.
When discovered, Prima was merely days away from irreversible damage. Her condition was far more dire than initially thought, and immediate medical attention was essential for her survival.
Discovered in Terrible Condition
During their routine walk in a Houston park, volunteers Jannel and Robby discovered Prima, lying in one of the “shelters” Corridor Rescue had placed to aid stray animals during harsh winter conditions.
Getting a closer look revealed that Prima was no ordinary dog. Her abdomen was distended, and she could scarcely move, prompting them to investigate further.
Upon approaching her kennel, they noted how alarmingly underweight she was. Her spine protruded visibly, and her bloated belly was likely a symptom of advanced heartworm disease. They offered her some food and water, which she accepted cautiously.
“This girl was so starved that when she was abandoned, she consumed anything she found and kept on eating,” stated Corridor Rescue in a Facebook post.
Realizing that Prima wouldn’t survive on her own, they immediately reached out to Corridor Rescue, who readily accepted her care.
“I was taken aback by her appearance when she emerged. She was incredibly thin with a notably swollen belly. I quickly began to make calls, knowing she needed to be rescued immediately,” Janell shared on Facebook.
Eventually, they coaxed Prima out and into their vehicle. Throughout the journey to the rescue, she nestled into their care. Although scared and wary of people, she seemed to understand that her new friends meant her no harm.
Defying the Odds
At the veterinary clinic, Prima was diagnosed with severe heartworm disease. Unfortunately, the worms had migrated to her pulmonary artery, making surgical removal nearly impossible.
At this stage, she was classified as a hospice patient, and the rescue’s primary goal was to provide Prima with a safe, loving foster home.
According to her rescuers, Prima faced a lifetime of neglect and adversity. Even without knowing her history, it was evident that this dog had endured significant mistreatment, leading to lasting trauma.
In addition to her physical challenges, Prima struggled to adapt to new surroundings and unfamiliar faces, given her severe emotional distress.
After thorough deliberation, the veterinary team decided that an aggressive, topical heartworm treatment would be her only avenue for survival, consisting of a series of injections over several months.
This represented her final chance, and the rescue team was committed to giving her an opportunity. Furthermore, they maintained her on hydration via fluids, offered her food every few hours, and administered necessary antibiotics to support her recovery.
During her treatment, Prima showcased signs of improvement. She remarkably began to regain her strength, and her distended abdomen subsided. To everyone’s amazement, Prima fought back as her heartworm burden gradually lessened.
“She wasn’t going to allow her past to impede her pursuit of a joyful future. This little miracle refused to be assigned to hospice any longer,” stated the rescue in a Facebook update.
Following extensive treatment at this rescue in Texas, she finally began to regain her former self and embarked on a transformative journey in her foster home.
Prima emerged from her shell, finding joy in socializing with other dogs, relishing her second chance at a fulfilling life after facing so many challenges!
A Miraculous Transformation
Within a matter of months, Prima transformed entirely. She blossomed into a loving, affectionate companion who embraced every aspect of her new life.
Exuding sweetness and playfulness, she fully embraced being a dog! According to her foster parents, Prima is a cuddle bug who loves to snuggle alongside her furry siblings, making it nearly impossible to capture a clear photo of her unless she’s sleeping.
What was once a hospice case, Prima was now ready for a new family and a fresh start. Before long, she welcomed her amazing new family!
She found a loving home filled with wonderful people, and she couldn’t be more content. Prima is flourishing and thriving in her new surroundings, approaching each day with the spirit of adventure.
Thanks to the compassionate rescuers who refused to give up on her, Luna has a vibrant new life ahead!
