In all my years of helping stray dogs, I have learned a valuable lesson: timing is everything!
Many homeless canines live on the edge, sometimes just hours away from the inevitable, which makes the job of a rescuer even more difficult. That’s why when it comes to life-saving missions, every second matters!
The dedicated team of The Animal Rescue Center Of California knew this, so when they received a call about a severely injured Husky stranded by the market in Thermal, California, they immediately rushed into action.
Sadly, things didn’t go as planned.
Heartbreaking Scenes
The kind TARCC volunteer and his colleague sat in the car with one goal and one goal only – to help the poor Husky in need.
“It’s always tough for us to visit this area of Thermal but, there was an injured Husky that needed help, so we drove down,” THEARCC wrote on their social media.
However, on their way over to the said spot, something truly heartbreaking caught their attention!
Not only did they not find the dog that matched the description, but they also discovered several other dogs. And, they all had one thing in common – they were all homeless!
The dogs were literally everywhere. They lay on the ground, in the dirt, on trash piles, and near local markets. They lacked food and water, which made their lives extremely unbearable. And some, sadly, had already lost their battles – lying helplessly while waiting for the inevitable.
According to locals, many dogs in Thermal have owners who do not spay or neuter them, ultimately resulting in neglect.
Dogs do not have the necessary conditions to live their best lives, and instead of caring for them, their owners resort to a much crueler option – abandonment.
Although shocked by what they had just witnessed, the rescuers continued their mission.
They arrived at the market and met a woman named Sandra, who had initially contacted them about the Husky. Then, a real heartbreak unfolded.
Upon finding the dog, the kind-hearted team learned that the pup’s injuries were so substantial and painful that the vet recommended euthanasia.
But, that wasn’t all. Just as they thought their drive had been in vain, a group of other canines appeared in front of them.
The Sad Truth
Sandra notified the team about three other stray dogs stranded near the market – all looking for help. This broken-hearted trio clung to each other while being deprived of a decent life.
Sadly, the TARCC team, being a small rescue, only had room for one of them at the time.
After giving the canines a small taste of what their lives should be like (through food and TLC), they scooped up the tiniest pup and loaded him into the car.
Thanks to the local organization, Rescue Lyfe, this sweet furball immediately found a foster home, where he’ll be taken care of properly. For the first time ever, he’ll have a nice home and a foster who’ll shower him with love.
Bittersweet as it was, the rescuers knew this was a small victory, yet they felt truly devastated for not being able to help all the dogs.
That’s why the organization urges everyone to contribute through donations to help.
You can find more information on the organization’s official website, Facebook, or Instagram .