Pawsitively Heartwarming: Rescue Dog Receives Christmas Boots!
A heartwarming story of resilience and compassion unfolds as a pawless rescue dog named Chloe receives a heartwarming gift - boots for Christmas Witness the incredible journey of trust and the joy these boots bring to Chloe's life
Catherine Lumsden, a dog rescuer, was left speechless by the deplorable cases she encountered. In August, while managing her shelter called Catherine's Puppies in Sai Kung, a district in northeastern Hong Kong, she was informed about Chloe, an 18-month-old chihuahua mix and a mother of three.
Chloe was discovered by volunteers just days ago, heavily pregnant and with no paw pads or claws on any of her four legs.
"The vet confirmed that she wasn't born this way, and this didn't happen accidentally," Lumsden explained. "At some point, someone intentionally cut them off, not a veterinarian. I have no idea how to track down the person who did this."
Chloe was unable to bear any weight on her front left leg, as the pressure was too much for her delicate bones. The vet recommended that it could be infected and possibly require surgery to alleviate the pain, but that would entail further amputation. X-rays were necessary to gain a clearer understanding of her condition, and the vet mentioned that she may need a prosthetic in the future.
As the expenses started to accumulate, Lumsden - who operates the shelter on donations and admits to barely making ends meet each month - reached out to the shelter's Facebook page to appeal to her 22,000 followers for help.
Chloe's innocent gaze and small, delicate ears captivated animal enthusiasts throughout the city, sparking a wave of donations for her care. Meanwhile, 30 miles away in Discovery Bay, a affluent area on Hong Kong's Lantau Island, Preeti Sharma wasted no time in offering assistance.
"We can foster Chloe - just a msg away," she wrote.
Chloe wearing her Christmas jumper in Hong Kong.
Courtesy Preeti Sharma
Slowly building trust
Sharma, a mother of two, took in Chloe and two of her pups (the third had already been adopted), adding to the familys growing brood of rescue dogs.
Sharma stated, "There was no doubt that we had to save Chloe and her puppies." Shortly into the taxi ride home, Sharma knew she couldn't part with Chloe. "When she arrived home, she was fearful and wary of all humans. She wouldn't let anyone, especially my son, get close to her," Sharma said, leading her family to believe that a man had harmed her.
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Chloe spent hours hiding in the garden, only emerging when she spotted her puppies. According to Sharma, "If anyone attempted to approach Chloe, she would submit, close her eyes, and cry. This leads us to believe that her previous owner may have mistreated her too."
Chloe's unique personality began to shine through with the help of Ivy, a deaf and partially blind dog with cancer and epilepsy who was also a former breeder. About two months later, the Sharmas officially adopted Chloe, making her their seventh rescue dog.
"It took her three months to trust and live without fear, and learn that in his house, no one beats her, and everyone loves her," she said.
Chloes new boots
Chloe has defied doctors' expectations by being more mobile than anticipated. In order to improve her quality of life, a special pair of boots for her two front legs has been ordered from Sweden, expected to arrive around Christmas Day.
Sharma commented, "Her back legs are fine, but she stands in a kangaroo-like manner. However, she's struggling to walk and you can see that it's uncomfortable as she constantly shifts her weight between her two front feet to maintain balance.
"We're optimistic that this treatment will improve her condition, but she might ultimately need a prosthetic," Sharma added. In January, he plans to run 200 kilometers (about 124 miles) to raise funds for her care.
Preeti's daughter, Sonal, with Chloe at the vet.
Courtesy Preeti Sharma
Lumsden, who cares for around 90 dogs at her shelter, says thinking about funds is "beyond stressful each month."
In October, she issued a public plea for assistance in settling over HK$123,000 ($15,000) in debt at her neighborhood veterinarian clinic for her dogs. Rising medical expenses, along with costs for shelter upkeep and purchasing beds and blankets for the dogs, have compounded the challenging situation.
"It's more than you can fathom," she remarked. However, witnessing Chloe and all the other dogs she's rescued flourish in their new homes makes it all worthwhile, she added.
Chloe spends her days playing in the garden with the other rescue dogs at the Sharmas' home, receiving plenty of belly rubs and cuddles.
"Chloe is a unique soul who holds a special place in our hearts," Sharma expressed. "She has truly become the love of our lives."
