When rescuers from Animal Aid Unlimited, India, received a distress call about a dog in excruciating pain, they knew they had to act fast. The caller described a street dog found motionless under a car, trembling, barely clinging to life. His wounds were deep, and his suffering was undeniable.
Upon arriving at the scene, the rescuers spotted the dog curled up in agony. His body was covered in dirt, and his head bore a gaping wound, buzzing with flies. The pain had rendered him helpless, and yet, he still tried to shrink away from the humans approaching him. Fearful and weak, he had no strength to resist, but his terrified eyes spoke volumes.
A Terrifying Rescue
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
Approaching an injured animal is never easy, especially one in such distress. The dog was too weak to run, but fear had kept him alert, his trembling body recoiling at every movement. The team knew they couldn’t afford to let him slip away—without immediate medical attention, he would not survive another day.
Gently but firmly, they wrapped him in a blanket to prevent him from moving too much and worsening his wounds. As they lifted him, they could see the full extent of his injuries. His ear had become a festering wound, crawling with maggots. It was a heartbreaking sight, but the team had no time to dwell on emotions—they had to act.
Fighting the Infection
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
At the shelter, the first priority was to stop the maggots from eating further into his flesh. The rescuers applied medicine to kill the parasites, watching as they slowly detached from the infected wound. The pain must have been unbearable, yet the dog, exhausted and drained, remained still.
The next step was sedation. It was the only way to properly clean his wounds and remove the necrotic tissue. The team worked quickly, carefully shaving the fur around the wound, flushing out dirt and bacteria, and assessing the damage. The infection had spread so severely that most of his ear tissue had died and would need to be surgically removed.
The Road to Healing
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
The dog underwent surgery to remove the necrotic parts of his ear. Once the operation was complete, his head was carefully bandaged, and he was given antibiotics and pain relief. When he woke up, groggy but safe, a warm meal awaited him. Despite all he had been through, there was no aggression in his eyes, only sadness. He didn’t yet understand that he was safe, that the hands touching him now only wished to heal him. But the moment he was offered food, something shifted. Hesitantly, he ate. It was a small but powerful sign—he was willing to fight for his life.
In the following days, his progress was slow but steady. He remained cautious, unsure if he could trust his surroundings. But the kindness he received, the gentle hands that cleaned his wounds, and the warmth of being cared for started to break through his fear. The rescuers named him Sunny-day, a name filled with hope for the life he would have after the darkness he had endured.
With each passing day, Sunny-day’s spirit began to shine. His body grew stronger, and the sadness in his eyes was replaced by curiosity and affection. He learned that human touch could bring comfort, that food would always be there, and that he no longer had to live in fear.
A New Beginning
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
Two weeks after his rescue, he wagged his tail for the first time. It was a simple but powerful moment—the true beginning of his new life.
After a month, Sunny-day was unrecognizable. His coat gleamed in the sunlight, his eyes sparkled with joy, and his tail never stopped wagging. He had transformed from a terrified, dying dog into a happy, loving companion. The dog who had once trembled in pain now leaned into the arms of his caretakers, soaking in their love.
Sunny-day had survived against all odds, and thanks to the rescuers who refused to give up on him, he would never suffer alone again.
If you’d like to see the full rescue in action and learn more about their incredible work, watch the original video here.