A touching moment unfolded as a severely malnourished dog reached a point of total exhaustion, unable to stay on her feet any longer. Despite her desperate efforts to find some comfort on a heap of rags, she was hindered by a small chain tightly wound around her neck, causing her head to hang limply.
Cala, a mistreated dog, was brought in as a guard dog by a mechanic in San Jose, Costa Rica. However, the person in charge did not give her enough food or take her to the vet when she got sick. As Cala’s condition deteriorated, it became a struggle for her to even lift her head to breathe. Luckily, kind-hearted neighbors intervened by alerting the authorities and reaching out to Territorio de Zaguates, a renowned local sanctuary that cares for many dogs in need.
When Lya Battle laid eyes on Cala for the first time, she was overwhelmed with a mix of sadness and anger. The image of a defeated and hopeless dog broke her heart, as Cala seemed to have given up on life, trapped in a never-ending nightmare. Thanks to the quick response of police and sanctuary staff, Cala was rescued from her abuser and received medical treatment for her severe malnutrition and injuries from the tight chain around her neck. Now, Cala has found a safe haven at Territorio de Zaguates, where she is slowly but surely recovering both physically and emotionally.
Cala went through some tough treatments to heal her wounds, especially the nasty one caused by the harsh metal chain around her neck. Even though it was painful, Cala learned that love and treats followed the suffering, so she kept pushing through her recovery. At first, Cala was cautious around the other dogs, which made Battle think she had never interacted with them before or had been taught to see them as competition. But as time went by, she started to trust her canine companions and the caring humans around her.
“We witnessed Cala’s incredible transformation from a frail and despondent animal to a resilient being who learned to assert herself,” Battle recounted. “Her playful and silly side gradually unfolded as she grew stronger every day. From initially fearing humans, she eventually became trusting and sought affection from them.” Despite her progress, Cala faced another challenge when vandals broke into the sanctuary and left poisoned sausages, causing the tragic deaths of 16 dogs. Cala unknowingly ingested one of the tainted sausages, yet miraculously managed to survive the ordeal.”
Battle recounted the story of Cala, a dog who was miraculously found alive despite suffering years of neglect, abuse, starvation, and disease. Cala’s resilience and toughness were evident as she fought to overcome neurological disorders and eventually recovered. Battle believes that Cala’s survival was not just a coincidence, but a testament to her unbreakable spirit. Despite the challenges she faced, Cala’s story serves as a reminder that life is worth fighting for, and her remarkable survival reflects her unwavering tenacity.
Cala, now living with a foster family, is basking in the love and care she receives. Despite a troubling past of abuse and confinement, Cala is shedding her old ways and embracing her playful side, much to the delight of her foster mother. “Having endured neglect and mistreatment for so long, Cala is now showing her mischievous side, just like playful puppies often do, and we couldn’t be happier about it,” Battle shared. “She is joyful, resilient, a tad stubborn, and thoroughly pampered by her foster mom and her new family.”
Having rescued countless dogs over the years and with many more missions ahead, Battle is truly moved by Cala’s story. It showcases a powerful struggle between good and evil, showing that love ultimately prevails. “This rescue story is a true testament to the power of love conquering all challenges. It motivates us to keep pushing forward and never lose hope,” Battle remarked. “It reminds us to continue fighting the good fight with unwavering determination.”
