Canelo’s story is a tragedy of broken trust, but it is also a testament to the incredible resilience of animals. Once promised a loving home, Canelo instead endured six years of neglect until his body was nearly destroyed.
A Promise of Home Turned into a Nightmare
Canelo was a young, healthy dog when he was first adopted from the shelter back in 2019. At the time, everyone believed he was heading toward a happy life. However, six years later, he was discovered in horrific condition in a backyard after someone reported animal cruelty.
His owners had simply let him “rot away” in their backyard. Upon his rescue, the veterinarian stated that this was one of the worst cases of abuse he had ever seen.
The “Dinosaur Dog” with Petrified Skin
Canelo’s condition left rescuers in total shock:
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Deformed Skin: His skin had become so hard and crusty from years of neglect and infection that it resembled dinosaur skin. Pieces of debris and skin flakes fell to the floor like “pieces of a puzzle”.
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Emaciated Body: He has no teeth left and must survive on soft food. Despite weighing about 53 lbs, he looked pathetically frail and weak.
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Emotional Numbness: Canelo showed a “dull affect,” barely reacting while vets tugged at his skin to take samples—a sign that he had become far too accustomed to pain or had simply shut down.
First Steps Toward Recovery
Canelo’s journey back to life began with his first medicated bath in years to soothe his ravaged skin. He underwent extensive testing, including heart and stomach ultrasounds and blood work, to get a complete picture of his organ function and how his body was responding to a refeeding plan.
The good news is that after a short period, Canelo has started gaining weight, and his blood work is holding steady. He has also begun treatment for heartworms and is being transitioned back to regular kibble.
A Miraculous Capacity for Forgiveness
Despite a past filled with suffering and being betrayed by the humans who were supposed to protect him, Canelo remains an incredibly sweet dog. He shows no aggression or resentment; instead, he is beginning to feel and appreciate the love and care from his rescuers.
Conclusion: Canelo’s former owners officially lost their rights to him after failing to show up to court. Canelo is now safe and on a long road to recovery. His story is a stern reminder of the responsibility that comes with pet adoption: it is not just a temporary promise, but a lifelong commitment to protect a living soul.