Sometimes, the universe conspires in ways that are hard to believe. For a little dog named Travolta, a series of fortunate events saved his life. Discovered on the roadside by a compassionate Uber driver, Travolta was in dire straits. He was severely malnourished, utterly exhausted, and significantly underweight—barely clinging to life.
On the day he was found, an entire community of caring individuals quickly rallied to aid the distressed pup. Behind his frail and weak exterior, there was a remarkable personality waiting to be uncovered.
Saved in the Nick of Time
When Travolta arrived at the Kentucky Humane Society, his condition was heart-wrenching. His fur was filthy and tangled all over his body, a sad testament to the neglect he had endured.
The veterinary team at the shelter assessed him and found that he scored the lowest possible on the body condition scale—a scale used to measure an animal’s health based on their weight and physical appearance. He weighed a mere 14 pounds, though a healthy weight for a dog his age and breed would be closer to 30 pounds. Travolta was around one year old, but it appeared he had never experienced the care and affection most pets take for granted.
The Kentucky Humane Society shared on their Facebook page, “Travolta has been receiving round-the-clock care in our veterinary ward since his arrival, and we are doing everything we can to save him.” His body bore the marks of severe neglect: pressure sores, infections predominantly on his right side, and, most distressingly, maggots infesting his wounds.
It is believed that Travolta endured these harsh conditions for weeks. His turnaround began when the Uber driver reached out to the Kentucky Humane Society, finally giving him a chance at recovery.
The Journey Toward Recovery
Dr. Bewley, the head veterinarian caring for Travolta, and her team dedicated themselves to his recovery. The first days were critical; the veterinary team maintained a vigil by his side 24/7, administering medication and feeding him small, regular meals to gently reintroduce his body to nourishment.
Their primary focus was helping him regain his lost weight and rebuild muscle strength, aiming to get him back on his feet. Miraculously, within just a few days, Travolta took his very first steps in a long time.
The staff at the facility were moved by the sight of Travolta standing on his own. Once too weak to support himself, he now stood as a symbol of resilience and recovery. The Kentucky Humane Society celebrated this milestone, stating, “We are over the moon to see this handsome boy become mobile and start showing us a little more of his personality.”
After many sleepless nights and countless hours of diligent care, Travolta made significant progress, steadily moving forward in his journey towards health.
Finding the Perfect Home
As Travolta recovered, Dr. Bewley decided to foster him. She brought him into her home in Kentucky, where she already had several rescue dogs. Travolta adjusted almost instantly, quickly warming up to his new environment and to Dr. Bewley, who had become his favorite person during his stay at the facility.
At home, Travolta’s true personality began to shine through. Underneath the matted and neglected exterior was a playful and spirited dog just waiting for a chance to show himself. As he continued to feel better, he quickly became the life of the party in his foster home.
Recognizing the bond that had formed and the joy that Travolta brought to her home, Dr. Bewley made the heartfelt decision to adopt him permanently. It was a “foster fail,” but the most beautiful kind. Travolta had found his forever home where he could thrive and be loved.
Today, Travolta is unrecognizable from the dog that was rescued from the side of the road. He accompanies Dr. Bewley nearly everywhere, living a life filled with love and adventure. From a desperate struggle for survival, Travolta is now a vibrant dog celebrating life at every turn, thanks to the kindness of strangers and the unwavering dedication of the Kentucky Humane Society team.
