The distress call to Animal Aid Unlimited came with urgency—a young street dog lay motionless on a sidewalk, his body covered in blood. Terrified and in pain, he had no strength to move. His golden-brown coat was smeared with dirt and dried blood, his eyes wide with fear.
When the rescuers arrived, they saw him struggling to lift his head, but his body refused to cooperate. Every attempt to shift his position caused him to whimper in pain. Bystanders had seen him collapse a few hours earlier, but no one knew what had happened. Had he been hit by a vehicle? Attacked? The uncertainty didn’t matter—he needed help immediately.
Earning His Trust
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
The team approached slowly, mindful of his fear. One rescuer knelt beside him, speaking in soft, soothing tones. The dog, though still trembling, seemed to relax slightly. A gentle touch reassured him that these humans meant no harm.
When they attempted to lift him, he flinched at first, but as the hands cradling him remained gentle, his breathing slowed. He wasn’t resisting anymore. Trust was beginning to take root. They carefully wrapped him in a blanket, ensuring that no further injury occurred as they transported him to the shelter.
A Glimmer of Hope: No Broken Bones
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
At the Animal Aid shelter, the veterinary team sprang into action. The first relief came when an X-ray revealed no fractures. His inability to walk stemmed from extreme exhaustion, pain, and shock rather than a spinal injury. His wounds, however, were serious—deep cuts along his legs and chest, and his mouth was bleeding.
Upon closer examination, they discovered the cause—one of his teeth was severely damaged and would need removal. Though it wasn’t a life-threatening condition, it was certainly painful. He had likely been struck hard in the face, causing trauma to his mouth and body.
Surgery and a Slow Recovery
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
The team prepped him for surgery. The infected tooth needed to be extracted, and his wounds required careful cleaning to prevent infection. As he lay on the operating table, sedated and vulnerable, it was hard to believe that just hours before, he had been a terrified, helpless creature on the streets.
The surgery was successful, but the days that followed were difficult. His body was healing, but his spirit seemed low. He remained withdrawn, curling up in the corner of his recovery space. The trauma had left emotional scars that needed healing just as much as his physical wounds.
The Power of Love and Comfort
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
The shelter caregivers refused to let him sink into despair. Volunteers spent extra time with him, offering warm meals and gentle affection. One rescuer sat beside him every day, speaking softly, offering cuddles, and simply being present. Slowly, his tail began to wag—hesitant at first, but then with more confidence.
The turning point came when he received his name—Rana. The moment he was given an identity, it was as if he understood that he was no longer just another street dog. He belonged. He was safe.
A New Beginning
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
As Rana gained strength, he began to show his playful side. He responded eagerly to affection, nuzzling into the hands that had once lifted him from the pavement. His body, once weak and battered, grew strong again. When he was fully healed, the team made sure he was neutered—a step that would ensure he lived a healthier, safer life on the streets.
The once-frightened dog who had trembled at human touch now approached his caregivers with excitement, his eyes shining with gratitude. Rana’s journey from terror to trust is a testament to the resilience of animals and the unwavering dedication of those who refuse to give up on them.
If you’d like to see the full rescue in action and learn more about their incredible work, watch the original video here.