Amidst countless heartrending stories of dogs, this one is bound to move you deeply.
The star of this tale is Maru, an incredibly sweet dog, who, if given a voice, would undoubtedly prefer a different fate over the fame he has gathered.
For ten long years, Maru was chained in a remote area near a perilous cliff, wasting away in neglect. Despite this, he never wavered in his hope for a brighter future!
Years of Isolation and Sorrow
Maru’s journey began fourteen years ago when he was a tiny puppy. After being purchased at a hefty price, he lived with his family for four years until tragedy struck!
When he changed owners, Maru found himself chained outside. He could never have fathomed that he would be imprisoned for the majority of his life.
Maru was confined on a short leash in a small doghouse, perilously close to a cliff, endangering his life daily.
“Over time, we have come across many abandoned dogs, but this place was among the most tragic. The tiny structure, which was supposed to be a home for the dog, teetered on the edge of a cliff,” the rescue team shared on Instagram.
Sadly, Maru spent years curled up under a meager piece of metal, serving as his only refuge from harsh rains and cold. Tragically, he had no choice but to relieve himself there as well.
The compassionate folks from WEACT launched a rescue operation as soon as they learned about his situation. What astonished them most was that Maru endured years without anyone by his side.
The rescuers were heartbroken that they arrived too late. Maru was well into his senior years, having never experienced the warmth and comfort of a real home for the past decade.
As they approached him, their worst fears were soon put to rest! Instead of being aggressive or withdrawn, Maru welcomed them with a gentle smile and a wagging tail.
His joy in their presence was evident, as if he were trying to convey the loneliness and sadness he had endured all this time.
A Ray of Hope
The team quickly transported him in a kennel to their facility.
While the journey to a new life made Maru anxious, all his worries vanished upon his arrival at the rescue. He was promptly treated to a generous bowl of kibble, which he gobbled down within minutes.
He appeared extremely undernourished and gaunt, despite the illusion created by the matted layers of his fur making him look quite plump.
“The tangled mass of fur that enveloped his body resembled a suit of armor.” WEACT remarked.
Then came the grooming… yet another painful realization!
After finally removing Maru’s matted coat, he appeared like a petite version of himself. He was severely malnourished and needed to gain at least fifteen pounds to be at a healthy weight.
Signs of his tough life over the years were evident. He bore scars on his body and had lost several teeth. The most alarming diagnosis was that Maru had stage-2 heartworms.
Despite everything, Maru was incredibly loving and warm—simply overjoyed to be far from that tiny, inadequate shelter.
Maru has a challenging road ahead, but his caregivers are committed to ensuring he receives the best care. For now, their top priority is to keep this sweet-hearted being as comfortable as possible.
Making Maru’s golden years unforgettable is a true honor, and the WEACT team knows just how to make it happen.
“WEACT will now be Maru’s family. We are dedicated to providing him happiness in a nurturing and secure environment,” they expressed.
