Leaving our furry friends behind is unacceptable, especially during the harshest winter days.
These vulnerable animals not only face abandonment and betrayal but also endure the peril of freezing conditions.
Horton was one such unfortunate dog, tragically left in a house during the coldest month in Kansas City, forced to withstand bitter temperatures.
Without the incredible efforts of a rescue team, Horton would not have survived.
A Heart-Wrenching Rescue Operation
On January 19, 2024, compassionate officers from KC Pet Project, a non-profit in Missouri, found Horton unresponsive in a deserted home during the coldest days of winter.
Horton was discovered with another dog who, unfortunately, did not survive. Though Horton’s state was dire, he still had a faint heartbeat, offering a ray of hope.
Tori Fugate, the chief communications officer at KC Pet Project, told Newsweek that when Horton was found in the 12-degree weather, he was barely breathing, lacked eye movement, and only displayed a faint heartbeat.
He was quickly taken to the shelter, where the veterinary staff immediately began working to revive him and save his precious life.
“We used hair dryers, blankets, and even slippers to elevate Horton’s body temperature to a normal level,” shared KC Pet Project in their post. “Gradually, we began to notice signs of life.”
Eventually, the team noted a slight eyebrow movement, igniting hope that Horton would indeed recover.
This was an extremely challenging case for all involved, and the veterinary staff utilized all available resources to save this little life.
“From blinking slightly to making eye contact with one of our veterinarians as she spoke encouraging words, he began showing us his will to fight,” they recounted.
Slowly, Horton regained consciousness, and despite his weakness, he eagerly ate some food.
It was his first meal in quite some time…
Crisis Due to Extreme Weather
“Once he stabilized, a vet tech gently moved him to the floor for continuous monitoring throughout the day,” the shelter explained.
Although Horton had visibly weakened, the veterinary team remained optimistic about his recovery.
“Just a few days later… Horton started displaying his charming personality while reveling in the care and affection provided by our vet clinic. He’s on the path to a full recovery, and we will advocate for him just as he fought for his life.”
@kcpetproject Horton was found unresponsive and abandoned in a home during the coldest part of our winter. He arrived at our shelter on January 19th when the high was expected to reach only 12 degrees after being rescued by our Animal Service Officers. He was discovered with another dog who unfortunately didn’t make it. After being rushed to our shelter, our veterinary clinic team sprang into action to save Horton’s precious life. Hair dryers, blankets, and even slippers were used to help restore his body temperature. Gradually, we started to see signs of life. From barely blinking his eyes to making eye contact with one of our vets as she encouraged him… he showed us that he was ready to fight. Before we knew it, Horton eagerly took some wet food we provided, indicating he was fully conscious, even though still weak. A vet tech carefully moved him to the floor for close monitoring throughout the day. Just a few days later… Horton is showing his sweet personality and enjoying the affection and care he’s receiving at our vet clinic. Horton is on his way to a complete recovery, and we will fight for him as fiercely as he fought for his own life. Our Animal Services Division is pursuing severe criminal charges. #animalshelter #shelterdog #shelterpet #vetclinic #vetcliniclife #kansascity #animalservices ♬ Sad Scene BGM Piano Instrument(313618) – HomeMadeGarbage
In the near future, Horton will transition to a foster home for further recovery, focusing on regaining his healthy weight, as per Fugate.
Once he’s healthy, the intention is to have him neutered and hopefully place him in a loving forever home.
The video of his rescue has gone viral, so finding him a caring new home is expected to be a straightforward task.
“Our Animal Services Division is relentlessly pursuing the harshest criminal charges,” KC Pet Project confirmed, intent on holding the person accountable for this inhumane act.
Sadly, Horton represents just one of many dogs requiring shelter and medical care this winter. Due to the increasing count of abandoned animals, the shelter is managing an intake crisis.
According to their blog post, they noted a shocking 87% rise in call volume regarding general neglect and abandonment in January.
“Every day at the shelter is a constant battle. There seems to be no end to this crisis. We’re doing everything in our power to save lives,” stated Tori Fugate.
You can support Horton and the other dogs at the shelter by contributing to the shelter’s Roadrunner Medical Fund.
