Did you know that there are an estimated 70 million stray animals living in the U.S.?
It’s a startling figure, but the facts don’t end there. According to the Human Society, of this 70 million, only about 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter the nation’s 3,500 shelters (like Mighty Mutts, a great no-kill shelter that took in a senior pit bull who took a bullet for his owner).
DoSomething.org decided to analyze these statistics, and they discovered that for every homeless person in America, there are about five homeless animals. To assist these poor animals, many rescues have their work cut out for them and need to aid of the local government, fire departments, and concerned citizens.
But thankfully, there are many organizations and communities more than willing to lend a helping hand — just as the Chicago Police Department did in the incredible story below…
What do you think of this incredible rescue? Let us know in the comments below!
Note: Though both pups are now healthy and happy, their "before" photos might be a little unsettling to some viewers. We've blurred these photos out — but if you would like to view them, please click each one to remove the blur.
Officers on the Chicago Police Department decided to investigate an abandoned building when they heard strange noising coming from inside.
What these brave men and women found inside were two dogs that were so malnourished, they looked like walking skeletons.
They called Trio Animal Foundation, a local rescue, and then rushed them to a veterinary emergency clinic.
It was at the medical facility that these two starving dogs got their first real meal in months.
After they ate, medics soon discovered that the canines were in critical condition.
The red female, whom they named Emmy, was severely underweight at only 24 pounds. “She should be close to double that,” said Trio Animal Foundation on their Facebook page.
Because she was so thin, her system was depleted, and the rescue needed to very carefully regulate what —and how much — she ate.
Emmy's buddy, a male they named Oscar, was in even worse shape. Not only did his body go into starvation mode, he was also suffering from hypophosphatemia, a disorder that affects the amount of oxygen in his blood — this jeopardized his heart, red blood cells, skeletal muscle, and brain cells.
He was also dangerously close to liver failure.
Yet — after spending months on a slow-feeding regimen that included many small, high-fat meals fed throughout the day — the duo is now doing really well.
Emmy was even adopted by one of her vet technicians, Anthony.
Oscar is looking awfully healthy and handsome as well.
According to Trio Animal Foundation, “They are just happy as could be when given the love and attention that they have always deserved”
It’s hard to believe that these two beautiful, happy pups were in the condition they once were.
What do you think of these dogs’ amazing transformations? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE if you think all animals deserve warm, loving homes!
