In the hardest of times, you can’t deny the power of resilience.
Many doggos out there live lives they didn’t want in the first place. Yet, they manage to keep fighting and surviving over and over again.
Alone in the wilderness and on the streets, these furry heroes put their best into finding shelter and food – and most of the time, they succeed. How? No one can tell.
Just like no one knew how this sweet, innocent pup survived days on the streets after being mercilessly shot in the hip. Lying helplessly on the ground, he yelped and whimpered in agony, but he didn’t give up.
An Act Of The Utmost Cruelty
![man picking up injured dog](https://www.pupvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/man-picking-up-injured-dog.jpg)
A kind-hearted dog rescuer got a call one night that shocked him to his bones. One tiny dog, who was only a couple of months old, was found at the stroke of midnight, helplessly lying in the middle of the street.
He was stranded on dirty ground, completely unable to move and find a more proper shelter for himself.
The rescuer immediately arrived at the spot, but when he got there – he was absolutely speechless. For some reason, a heartless person shot this little pup in the hip, causing him unimaginable pain.
![man holding a dog](https://www.pupvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/man-holding-a-dog-1.jpg)
He cried and pleaded for help, not knowing that the person who just arrived was about to become his guardian!
The kind man brought the injured pup to the veterinary clinic, where his transformative journey began. The pup, later named Rio, was headed toward a long, exhaustive life battle, but the good team of people wasn’t gonna give up. And, neither was Rio!
A Life-Changing Journey
![dog with yellow cast on legs](https://www.pupvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dog-with-yellow-cast-on-legs.jpg)
He was subjected to critical surgery after the team assessed his injury. This tiny hero’s condition remained uncertain, and it was only hanging by a thread of hope.
The good news was – Rio was a fighter! And, he definitely wouldn’t give up that easily.
Sadly, his hind legs sustained irreparable damage after being shot, and Rio had to face the harsh reality. Then, his guardian rescuer came up with a plan!
![dog with a wheelchair](https://www.pupvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dog-with-a-wheelchair.jpg)
Instead of giving up on this little boi, the rescuer’s unreserved love for Rio made him more motivated than ever. Within days, Rio got his very own dog wheelchair and the chance to start all over again.
Alongside this massive progress, he went through months of constant physical and hydrotherapy. The team of giant-hearted people helped Rio strengthen his limbs and regain his sense of vitality. And, he reciprocated!
With every new day, Rio was doing so much better. He could already move a lot easier. He started eating by himself from a bowl, and with the help of his wheelchair, Rio finally got into “playing mode” with other dogs.
![photo of dog with a wheelchair](https://www.pupvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/photo-of-dog-with-a-wheelchair.jpg)
But, among all other things, he became a true charmer! He got used to his wheelchair so well that he didn’t miss out on any of the regular doggo activities. He played, walked, cuddled, and, above all, felt like a regular pup!
Rio acted as if his past never happened, and even though he has to use the wheelchair for the rest of his life – he seemed like he didn’t mind at all!
![hand holding dog's head](https://www.pupvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hand-holding-dogs-head.jpg)
As his journey unfolded, Rio became a brand-new dog with the sweetest smile on his face. Being the true resilient fighter he is, he never let despair take control. Instead, he became the symbol of hope for everyone who had the chance to work with him.
Rio found ultimate peace and joy next to his foster dad and his guardian, and he couldn’t be happier!