There are pains that cannot be put into words, especially when a cry for help is silenced by human heartlessness. The story of Vitoria, a dog found with her mouth taped shut so she could neither eat nor cry, is a journey from the darkness of despair to the light of love.
1. The Wordless Cry
When she was discovered, Vitoria was in a truly horrific state. Her mouth was bound tight with multiple layers of adhesive tape, preventing any effort to eat or make a sound. Silent tears falling down her terrified face were the only sign of the immense agony she was enduring.
At the moment of her rescue, Vitoria acted with aggression and fear. This was the natural reaction of a creature who had likely never received a kind touch and had only known pain from human hands. The rescuers had to be incredibly patient to soothe her: “Calm down, child, we understand all this anger; after all, this dog has probably never felt affection.”
2. The Battle in the Emergency Room
At the clinic, veterinarians worked overtime to treat the wounds on Vitoria’s muzzle. Once the tape was finally removed, the tissue was found to be severely damaged, requiring deep cleaning and careful bandaging.
The situation became even more urgent when doctors discovered internal complications—suspecting a severe infection (such as pyometra)—which forced her into emergency surgery to save her life. The name Vitoria (meaning Victory) was chosen with the hope that she would overcome this final hurdle.
3. The Miracle of Transformation
Following her surgery, Vitoria began to heal. Her stitches started to mend, but more importantly, her spirit underwent a visible shift. From a dog that wanted to “bite the whole world,” Vitoria gradually became calm, learned to seek shelter in the arms of her caregivers, and began to accept gentle caresses.
The rescue staff were amazed by her rate of recovery: “It’s impressive; she’s not a stranger to me anymore,” one noted as she began to trust humans again.
4. A Stylish “Supermodel”
The final stages of her journey reveal a completely different Vitoria. She was taken for walks in the public square, confidently showing off her charm like a “poster girl.” The image of the pitiful dog with a taped muzzle was gone; in her place was a proud Vitoria, calmly observing the scenery.
Vitoria even claimed her own “office” at the rescue center, where she became the “little boss,” confidently occupying her space and receiving special attention from everyone.
5. Conclusion: The Triumph of Compassion
True to her name, Vitoria won her race against death and overcame the psychological trauma of abuse. Her story serves as a reminder: behind the aggression of an abandoned animal often lies a broken heart waiting to be healed through patience and love.
Source: Dog Haven