Buddy the dog has endured unimaginable pain in more ways than one. The Labrador retriever mix was found as a stray with no home, no food, no love and an extension cord twisted around his neck.
But a 12-year-old boy who found him intentionally set the poor dog’s face on fire.
Buddy was rushed to Mississippi State University’s college of veterinary medicine in critical condition where he underwent two skin graft surgeries using North Atlantic codfish skin. He’ll have two additional layers added down the road.
Additional treatments needed
Because his eyelids were severely burned, Buddy also will require reconstructive surgery at some point. Currently, his eyes can’t close and his tear ducts aren’t working, so his eyes are quite dry.
But his care team feels strongly that once his bandages are removed, Buddy will have his vision return.
The fur on his nose is growing back, but one of his ears, which was badly burned, is slow to heal. Buddy also sustained burns on his front leg, so he wore a boot for a period of time.
The shelter reports that Buddy’s wounds continue to heal. His journey is nothing less than miraculous.
Learning while healing
His once charred face has improved drastically. But even while in recovery and in pain, Buddy is learning basic commands.
A vet student named Callie has taught Buddy to sit when being served his bowl of food. Dr. Swanson told the shelter that Buddy wags his tail constantly, even though he is on heavy pain medication.
“He continues to be a warrior,” said Sandy Williams, shelter director of the Tunica Humane Society, told the Clarion Ledger.
Adorable adoptable in demand
The endearing dog’s future adoption will be handled by the Tunica Humane Society, which has already received many requests to bring the poor pooch into their homes.
“He’s a loving, forgiving dog,” Williams said. “I don’t know how he’s come through this and kept his tender heart, but he has. He’s going to make somebody an exceptional dog.”
Just the other day, Buddy was taken off of his IV medication and switched to oral meds. He has felt so much better that he even rolled around in the grass, albeit gingerly.
People want justice for Buddy
The tragic and horrific attack on Buddy and lack of prosecution against the 12-year-old assailant have upset many, including Sheri Webb.
The Georgia woman started a petition on Change.org called Justice for Buddy.
“He’s very beloved here, he’s in all of our hearts,” Swanson said. “He’s really one special dog.”
More than 121,000 people have signed the petition, which aims to garner 150,000 signatures.
“This sweet, friendly dog didn’t deserve what happened to him. He wasn’t a threat to anyone. It was extremely cruel and calculated,” the shelter posted on its Facebook page.
A bright future for Buddy
The shelter noted that no one is happy with the legal outcome of the case.
“But we must move forward from today with hope in our hearts,” the shelter noted in its post. “Hope for Buddy that his horrific injuries weren’t in vain. That somehow, some good will come from this tragedy. That change will come and justice will be served in cases like Buddy’s.”
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