When he was first taken to a cat and dog rescue centre in Granada, Spain, the dog, Barilla, was skin and bone with few internal organs to function properly. In addition, his muscles are very weak, he can no longer walk, and he is only paralyzed in one place.
Staff at the centre used to be very concerned about whether Barilla, who weighed only 7.2kg, would survive the serious health condition. Not only that, but if they were just one night late, it wouldn’t save a life.
Initially, the staff gave Barilla a prop to help him build his muscles because he couldn’t stand on his own. Also, it was watered continuously for 6 hours before the staff dared to give it any other nutritious food.
Barilla had scratches on her four legs, said to have been caused by crawling on the ground.
Fortunately, after 6 hours of water delivery, Barilla was able to get up and drink water, but it didn’t last long.
After a week of care and rehabilitation, Barilla has gained 4kg but is still unable to walk or stand for long periods of time and keeps falling to the floor. Barilla didn’t start eating normally until 6 weeks later and was able to run and jump like any other healthy dog.
Eduardo Rodriguez, 37, the owner of the shelter, decided to adopt Barilla because of love at first sight. Barilla currently lives in his Rodriguez home on the outskirts of Granada with his wife, 14-year-old daughter and five other dogs.
After months of hard life on the streets, Barilla finally has a home of her own.
Anh Rodriguez said it was the first time he had adopted a dog since one of his pets died in an accident five years ago. Sharing his decision, he said: “His will to survive was extraordinary and I felt a connection to him the first time I met him.”
Anh Rodriguez and Barilla were very loving and attached from the start.
Barilla’s recovery has been admirable, since day 4 of his rescue, he has been eating 5-6 meals a day and steadily gaining 1kg per day. At present, Barilla’s weight has reached 20.8 kg and has almost fully recovered.
Barilla was found by the villagers and reported to the rescue center and the police. Barilla was only 10 months old when she was rescued, very young. Police are still investigating who put the poor dog in this situation.
