Sheepdogs are incredible in beauty and wisdom. Their intellectual capacity is equal to that of a three-year-old child. If they could talk, they would probably already be communicating with us.
This emaciated dog realized his days were numbered and he saw no hope for help. He couldn’t even get up from the mud, so he just lay there, feeling pain and despair. The poor man made no sound so as not to draw attention to himself.
That afternoon we went for a walk with our dogs. The contrast was stark: our pets, well groomed and shiny, and this unknown dog with deep pain in his eyes.
“We are forced to act,” my companion said resolutely, “but alone I cannot carry him to the car. Will you support him or will we carry him together?” Approaching the sheepdog, I began to speak. The response was barely perceptible: the dog weakly moved his ear, noticing my voice. Apparently he was in no condition to get up, so I decided not to alarm him. We carefully moved him to the plaid, settled him in the back seat of the car, and headed to the vet.
We had alerted the veterinary center that the dog was covered in mud. But the medical staff, showing real responsibility, took him in. Tests revealed that the dog had kidney problems and could not urinate properly. Because of this, he experienced pain when he moved. His previous owners may have simply left him outside to avoid having to treat him.
At the clinic, specialists helped him empty his bladder, relieved his pain, and gave him antibiotics because of his fever. After eating a small amount of food, the poor man finally fell asleep.
We diligently took care of him: feeding him with a syringe, offering him water and checking that he started drinking on his own. Doctors were always on call, monitoring his condition to make sure his health did not deteriorate drastically. To our amazement, it turned out that he was not as old as we had thought.
He was only six or seven years old, given the health of his teeth. Perhaps he had simply been living in the yard without being properly cared for. Sore paws and other problems gave the impression of old age.
After only a week, our Ralph was able to get back on his feet. He wished to live, and his wish came true! This is a true example of the kindness and miracles that dogs can bring, and we are grateful to have come across him that time….