The Villalobos Rescue Center in Louisiana, U.S.A., took in a dog in March of last year who was in terrible condition.
Source: Villalobos Rescue Center
The Shar Pei, Lab, Pit mix was presumably running away from someone when he was shot in the back. The bullet went through the back of his shoulder, just missing his heart before it exited out the back of his head.The pooch, dubbed Curtis, was immediately rushed to the Cyprus Lake Animal Hospitalwhere he was immediately treated for the gunshot wound.
Source: Villalobos Rescue Center
He was so exhausted that he didn't even need tranquilizer. To the horror of the rescue team, as they began disinfecting the wounds, hundreds of maggots started crawling out, which meant he had been left there for several days.
Source: Villalobos Rescue Center
However, while that seems disgusting, in some ways, the maggots may actually have helped poor Curtis by debriding the wound, eating the dead and dying tissue.Curtis was also found to have severe heartworm, a broken shoulder, and a paralyzed foot due to the gunshot's close proximity to his spine.There was an immediate relief for him after the surgery, but he still had a long road to recovery.
Source: Villalobos Rescue Center
When Villalobos posted about him and explained his story, support poured in from around the globe. People lined up to rescue and adopt the adorable dog, but it turns out he stole someone's heart closer to home.The vet tech who saved his life fell in love with the sweet boy and decided to give him a forever family.
Source: Villalobos Rescue Center
If you would like to support the team with their amazing work, you can donate to their efforts here.