It’s always difficult to see a dog abandoned on the street or in the woods, but it’s even harder to realize that the dog you just saw was a victim of animal abuse.
This is what happened to Dennis, our Belgian Malinois, who was a year old puppy at the time. When animal rescuer Henry first found her in the middle of a farm in Ensenada, Mexico, she was too weak to stand up. So Henry decided to help her…
When Denny was found, he couldn’t walk.
man raising a dog
The reason Dennis can no longer walk or stand is because he was a victim of animal abuse. At first Henry thought the poor dog had been hit by a car, but later found out that someone had intentionally hit him with something like a rock or a shovel.
“The vet said he was more likely intentionally hit with a blunt object, perhaps a rock, a pipe, or a shovel… I wish the vet said it was just an accident so I wouldn’t have to face the disgusting reality.”
As Dennis couldn’t make it on his own, Henry immediately took him to the local vet and took care of him. The dog was extremely scared and insecure, and Henry decided to take things slow…
“We were among the first people to show him that kind of positive human interaction.”
The vet recommended several weeks of crate rest, after which Henry transported Dennis to San Diego, California.
The Animal Pad Took Good Care Of Him
Henry took Dennis to the partnering organization called The Animal Pad rescue. They continued to provide help for this canine until he finally got better. He was finally able to take his first steps after a long time, but he was still pretty traumatized.
As his condition improved significantly since Henry first left him in rehabilitation, Dennis got a foster mom who was in charge of socialization and further care.
Danielle And Dennis Were Just Meant To Be
Danielle Batakis, from San Diego, California, was more than happy to have Dennis in her home. Even though she didn’t have much experience with Belgian Malinois dogs, she bonded with Dennis in no time.
She was supposed to be his temporary foster, but things evolved so quickly that she wouldn’t let him go anywhere else.
“You had a rough start to life, and we had a rough start to our journey together, but I’ve never been more sure you were meant to be mine forever.
I promise to never let anyone hurt you again and you never be stuck in mud alone. I promise you’ll always be loved and have a warm place to sleep,” wrote Danielle on her Instagram.
Day after day, Dennis started becoming more sociable and friendly towards strangers. He was finally getting over his previous traumas and fears, and he started reaching his full canine potential.
Park walks became the favorite part of his day, as well as those back yard training sessions with Danielle. It seemed that Dennis finally started regaining the real Malinois character with his new mom.
Emotional Reunion 365 Days After The Rescue
Henry decided to pay Dennis a visit a year after he rescued him in Mexico. Danielle wasn’t sure if the dog would remember him, but as soon as Dennis saw Henry in a park – he ecstatically rushed towards him and gave him the cutest hug in the world!
It was an emotional moment both for Henry, who was glad that his buddy remembered him, and for Danielle, who was just so happy to see Dennis being so friendly towards other people.
Once an abused, insecure doggo, Dennis was now the pawfect companion. We wish him and Danielle a lot of pawesome moments together!
