Imagine stumbling upon a dog, left to fend for herself in a tiny kennel on a bitterly cold day. That was the grim reality for Prima, a dog who was abandoned by her owners during the harsh winter months.
Prima’s Struggle for Survival
This poor girl was in a dire state—severely underfed and desperate, eating anything in sight to stay alive. Unfortunately, her scavenging led to almost deadly outcomes. When she was found, Prima was teetering on the brink of death. Her situation was far worse than anyone could have initially imagined, and immediate medical intervention was her only lifeline.
Found in Horrible Shape
During a routine walk in a local park—a spot where they often fed abandoned animals—Jannel and Robby, two volunteers from Houston, Texas, spotted Prima. She was lying in a makeshift shelter provided by Corridor Rescue for stray animals to use during the winter. Upon closer inspection, Jannel realized Prima’s dire state: her stomach was bloated, and she was barely able to move, prompting an urgent response from the volunteers.
As they drew nearer, the extent of her condition became clear. Prima was skin and bones, her spine painfully visible, and her swollen belly suggested advanced heartworm disease. Despite her weak state, she accepted the food and water offered by the volunteers, though with noticeable hesitation.
Urgent Rescue Needed
Source: Corridor Rescue Inc.
Recognizing the severity of Prima’s condition, the volunteers didn’t hesitate to contact Corridor Rescue, who quickly agreed to take her in. “I was shocked at what I saw when she stepped out. She was emaciated, with a very large stomach. I immediately started making phone calls knowing she needed rescue right away,” Jannel recounted on Facebook.
After coaxing her out, they managed to transport Prima to the rescue center. During the ride, she completely surrendered, showing fear yet a faint sense of relief, perhaps sensing that these humans meant her no harm.
Beating the Odds
Source: Corridor Rescue Inc.
At the veterinary clinic, Prima was diagnosed with end-stage heartworms, which had migrated to her pulmonary artery, making surgical removal nearly impossible. At this juncture, she was considered a hospice patient, with the rescue’s goal shifting to providing a comfortable, loving foster home where she could feel safe.
Despite her bleak prognosis, the vet team decided on a rigorous, fast-acting heartworm treatment, which involved several months of injections. This aggressive approach was her last chance at survival. Alongside the treatment, Prima was kept on fluids, fed regularly, and given necessary antibiotics.
A Turn for the Better
Over time, signs of improvement began to show. Prima’s condition miraculously began to improve; her swollen belly receded, and she started to regain a healthy appearance. Against all odds, she recovered from the heartworms—a true testament to her resilience and the dedicated care she received.
“She wasn’t going to let her past dictate her future. Refusing to be defined by the word ‘hospice’, this little miracle dog embraced her second chance at life,” shared the rescue team on Facebook.
Miraculous Ending
Source: Corridor Rescue Inc.
After a grueling recovery, Prima began to show her true spirit. She emerged from her shell, interacting with other dogs and relishing her newfound freedom. She transformed into an affectionate, playful dog, fully embracing the joys of her foster home.
In just a few months, Prima was unrecognizable from the dog who had been rescued. She flourished into a loving, vibrant dog who cherished every aspect of her new life. Her foster parents often shared how she loved to snuggle and was always ready for a play session, capturing the hearts of everyone she met.
Finally, the day came when Prima was ready to find a permanent home. She was adopted by a wonderful family, ready to provide her with love and stability. Prima now thrives in her new environment, each day a new adventure, filled with love and happiness.
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of her rescuers, Prima’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the canine spirit and the profound impact of compassion and care.
