Animal rescues perform one of the most important services out there. Their vital work helps animals in their times of need, and often aids in their eventual placement with a good and loving home.
This type of care for animals is crucial — and luckily, there are many out there willing to lend a hand, like this heroic couple that rescued 34 homeless animals.
Stephanie Paquin runs a nonprofit in Florida called Passion 4 Pits Rescue that focuses on rescuing and caring for pit bulls, just like this abused pit bull that inspired a community.
Recently, Stephanie went to a local shelter in Orlando where she found the surprise of her life…
Khalessi, a pit bull who was barely 1-year-old and had been the victim of terrible animal abuse. Khalessi's injuries were so severe and her appearance was so jarring, that the shelter workers begged Stephanie to adopt the struggling pit bull.
Khalessi's story may have began as an extremely heartbreaking and painful one, but with the love and care of Stephanie and the Passion 4 Pits Rescue, things are looking up for one of the bravest and most unique dogs out there.
While some of these photos may be upsetting, please scroll through to see Stephanie and Khalessi's story and the triumph of love over pain.
h/t: KOAA News/Huffington Post
When Stephanie came upon Khalessi, she was shocked at the pit bull's condition. Khalessi had been beaten within an inch of her life, and her injuries had left her in a terrible state.
Through some form of unknown abuse, her nose and sinus cavities had been savagely removed, giving her a very unique appearance. In addition, vets believe she was beaten with baseball bats, damaging her spine, ribs, and kneecaps; now, Khalessi drags one of her hind legs.
Stephanie told KOAA News, "She just wanted whoever was abusing her to give her love, so I would ask how...how could they ever treat her that way."
Khalessi was found starving after being dumped in a yard in Orlando. She was taken to a shelter where she received care, and later found herself being taken home by Stephanie.
Stephanie told KOAA News, "I am grateful. I am amazed. I am flabbergasted. And I am still in a state of shock." Stephanie and her husband have decided to adopt Khalessi, love her, and take care of her immediate and longterm medical needs.
Stephanie is thrilled to have Khalessi in her life, and Khalessi is thrilled to have someone to love. Stephanie told Huffington Post, "Khalessi is sweet, loving and amazing."
Stephanie continued, "She loves people, all people. She just wants attention and love." And luckily for Khalessi, as she recovers from her injuries and makes frequent trips to the animal hospital for medical treatment, she has a new and loving family.
Stephanie reports that Khalessi loves sleeping in her comfortable doggie bed and that she has made friends with her other dogs.
Khalessi's tail is always wagging to and fro, a sign that she is happy and glad to be with Stephanie and her husband.
Khalessi loves going out and meeting new people, who she greets with kisses. While Khalessi will get some strange looks, Stephanie told Huffington Post, "I would rather people ask what happened and give me the chance to explain."
KOAA News reports that she may not have her one-of-a-kind look for much longer. In addition to her upcoming medical treatments, she will be getting a brand new nose!
Stephanie reports that Khalessi remains strong and as positive as ever. She told Huffington Post, "A person did this to her and she does not let it affect her outlook on people. This experience has changed her appearance but not her heart."
If you would like to donate to to Khalessi's medical bill fund, please visit this website.
To help bring awareness to animal abuse, please SHARE Khalessi's beautiful story.
