A Routine Day Turns Into a Rescue Mission
It was 9 a.m. when we set out for what we thought would be an ordinary day.
Our plan was simple — climb the mountain near our home, gather dry firewood and straw, and return before the forecasted snowstorm arrived.
The cold winter air bit at our cheeks, but the sun was shining, giving a deceptive warmth to the frosty morning.
Climbing alongside us was our loyal dog, his tail wagging in excitement.
But suddenly, his demeanor changed — he barked loudly and darted toward a tree up ahead.
We sensed something was wrong and quickly followed.
A Heartbreaking Sight
Under the bare branches of the tree, we saw the dog— a thin, motionless figure lying on the cold ground.
His face was etched with exhaustion, and two faint streams of tears ran down his cheeks.
He was nothing more than skin and bones, his body trembling from pain and hunger.
As we moved closer, the grim truth revealed itself: he had stepped into a rusty iron animal trap.
The cruel device clamped tightly around one of his legs, the metal digging into his flesh.
The leg was broken, twisted unnaturally, and the other leg bore deep wounds from his desperate attempts to break free.
The sight of his frail body, covered in cuts and bruises, filled us with sorrow and anger.
Who could have set such a trap in this place?
Earning His Trust
We knelt beside him, speaking softly, trying to calm his trembling.
One of us hurried back home to fetch tools for his rescue while the rest stayed to comfort him.
But he was frightened, distrustful, and unwilling to let us near his injured legs.
The winter air was biting — though the sun shone, the temperature hovered at -5°C.
If he remained here much longer, he would not survive the cold, hunger, and pain.
We stayed with him for 30 long minutes, whispering reassurances, showing him we meant no harm.
Slowly, his trembling lessened. His eyes, once wide with fear, softened.
Free at Last
With his guard lowered, we carefully worked to open the trap.
The rusted metal was stubborn, requiring both strength and patience, but finally, the cruel jaws released their grip.
We wrapped him gently in a blanket and carried him down the mountain.
At the base, our vehicle waited, ready to take him to the nearest city — the only place with a veterinary hospital.
Racing Against Time
It took two hours to reach the clinic.
There, the medical team rushed him inside, their faces filled with concern.
An X-ray confirmed our fears: both of his legs were broken.
Worse still, the vet revealed that his injuries were about a week old.
He had been lying on that mountain all this time, enduring cold nights and gnawing hunger.
The wounds were infected, his bones damaged, and his body severely dehydrated.
How he had survived this long was nothing short of a miracle.
Hearing this, we couldn’t hold back our tears.
A Difficult Decision
The vet explained that immediate surgery was needed to save his life, but his weakened state made the procedure risky.
If we waited for him to regain strength, the infection could spread, threatening his survival.
It was a painful choice, but after careful discussion, we agreed — the surgery had to be done now.
The vet prepared quickly, assuring us he would do everything possible.
A Price for Survival
During the operation, the reality became clear: to save his life, one leg had to be amputated.
Three hours later, the surgery was complete.
The vet also treated his other wounds, cleaning and dressing each one.
When we saw him afterward, lying in recovery but breathing steadily, relief washed over us.
The Road to Healing
Over the next four days, his condition began to improve.
He learned to balance on three legs, his determination shining through with every attempt to stand.
The medical team monitored him closely, and we made sure every meal was nourishing and plentiful.
Nutrition became key to his recovery — every bite would help him regain weight and heal faster.
We fed him five times a day: three main meals of the best food we could find, and two snacks of eggs, sausage, and quick nuts.
Signs of Strength
By day 16, his progress was remarkable.
He could walk more easily, his weight had increased, and most of his wounds had healed.
The vet’s examination showed 90% recovery, with only one small wound on his foot still needing daily care.
He was cleared to come home with us, where a new chapter of his life began.
Adjusting to Family Life
At home, he grew more comfortable each day.
We continued his wound care, which became easier thanks to his newfound trust.
He listened to us, stayed calm during treatments, and never left a single bite of his meals.
For now, he stayed indoors to keep his healing leg clean, but we filled his days with attention, conversation, and gentle play.
It wasn’t just his body that was healing — his spirit was, too.
A Full Recovery
After 42 days, his transformation was complete.
His wounds had fully healed, the exhaustion had vanished from his face, and he moved with ease.
Though he had only three legs, he ran and played as if nothing could stop him.
We finally took him for a short walk outside.
The world seemed new to him — every sound, every sight sparking curiosity.
He explored with joy, his tail wagging proudly.
A Life Filled with Love
He quickly made friends with the other dogs in the neighborhood, his gentle nature winning everyone over.
His weight continued to rise, his health now at a safe level.
Looking at him today, it’s hard to believe he’s the same helpless soul we found on the mountain.
The tears of pain are gone, replaced with bright eyes and a radiant smile.
His journey was long and filled with suffering, but now, he has a life where love and care will always surround him.
No more traps, no more cold nights — only warmth, safety, and the joy of being part of a family.
