The team at Animal Aid Unlimited, India, received an urgent call about a street dog with a severely swollen face. The caller described the dog as wandering alone, struggling to eat, and clearly in pain. His swollen face made him almost unrecognizable as he carried on, unaware of how dangerously close he was to losing his life. Knowing that infections in cases like his could be fatal, the rescue team wasted no time and rushed to the scene.
A Cautious but Friendly Encounter
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
Upon arriving, the rescuers spotted the dog. His swollen face looked painful, yet he wagged his tail slightly at their presence. Hoping to gain his trust, they carefully approached him with food. He seemed hungry but hesitant, taking cautious steps forward, sniffing the food, but not letting them touch him. His eyes held both curiosity and uncertainty—perhaps he had learned from experience not to trust too quickly.
The team knew that every second mattered. If they couldn’t capture him soon, he might disappear into the streets, making his rescue nearly impossible. They had to act fast, but gently.
The Rescue: A Delicate Operation
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
After several attempts to gain his trust, the rescuers realized they had no choice but to use a net to ensure his safety. As one rescuer continued to distract him with food, another swiftly but carefully placed the net around him. He resisted for a moment, confused by what was happening, but the team acted with great care, ensuring he wasn’t harmed in the process.
Once secured, they placed him in their vehicle and transported him to the Animal Aid shelter. Despite his discomfort, he remained calm during the ride, almost as if he knew he was finally getting the help he so desperately needed.
A Shocking Diagnosis and Urgent Treatment
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
At the shelter, the veterinary team immediately examined the swollen area on his face. It was worse than they had feared—a massive abscess had formed beneath his skin, likely due to an untreated wound or infection. The swelling had reached a point where it was obstructing his ability to eat properly, and without intervention, he wouldn’t have survived much longer.
The medical team quickly prepped him for treatment. They cleaned the area, made an incision to drain the built-up infection, and inserted a drainage tube to prevent further swelling. The process was delicate, requiring precision and care. Once the abscess was drained, they sutured the wound and administered antibiotics to fight off any lingering infection.
For the first time in days, perhaps weeks, the dog was free of the pressure that had caused him so much suffering. But his journey to recovery had only just begun.
A Remarkable Transformation
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
The next few days were critical. The team closely monitored his progress, ensuring the infection did not return. They provided him with nourishing meals, pain relief, and all the love and comfort he had been missing while living on the streets.
Despite the pain he had endured, he responded to treatment with incredible resilience. He began eating heartily, his tail wagging more with each passing day. He quickly formed bonds with his caregivers, leaning into their touch and enjoying the kindness he was now surrounded by.
Two weeks later, the transformation was astonishing. The swelling was completely gone, leaving behind only a faint scar as a reminder of his ordeal. What once was a dog suffering in silence had now become a bright-eyed, healthy, and happy companion.
A New Beginning
Source: Animal Aid Unlimited
With his recovery complete, the once-suffering street dog now had a new lease on life. The rescuers who had saved him were overjoyed to see his newfound energy and happiness. He was no longer the hesitant, wary dog they had found—he was now full of life, playfully running around the shelter, eager for human affection.
While his past had been filled with pain and struggle, his future now held hope. Thanks to the compassionate intervention of Animal Aid Unlimited, this beautiful soul got the second chance he deserved.
If you’d like to see the full rescue in action and learn more about their incredible work, watch the original video here.