In Spanish, libre means free.
But when little Libre was surrendered to the Lancaster SPCA on Independence Day earlier this month, freedom was not something that he’d ever experienced. His horrific condition spoke volumes about the life he was forced to lead, and it was not a good one. Up to that point, he’d never been able to free himself from physical and emotional pain.
When volunteers from Speranza Animal Rescue found the little guy, their hearts broke when they saw the condition he was in. Although all hope seemed to be lost when they first laid eyes on Libre, the pup’s current state paints a far more inspiring picture.
Warning: Libre’s condition upon arriving at the shelter may be shocking to some readers.
This is Libre. When he arrived, rescuers really didn’t know if he’d make it through the night.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
He was weak and his skin smelled like it was literally rotting away.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
He couldn’t even stand on his own, and his entire body was essentially an open wound.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Janine Guido, the director of Speranza Animal Rescue, was absolutely disgusted that the pup was surrendered in such awful condition.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Worse still was the fact that a breeder gave him up, which means that many more dogs could’ve been living in constant pain on that woman’s watch.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
But all they could do at that point was make sure that the dog they were able to help received everything he needed.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
The first vet who saw Libre told Guido to give up. She refused.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
That’s when the dedicated woman took him to Dillsburg Veterinary Center in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
They vowed to do everything they could to make him feel comfortable and loved, which they hoped would get him on the road to recovery.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Much to everyone’s surprise, the little dog kept fighting.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
The further these veterinarians delved into Libre’s case, the more horrific it became.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
He needed an intense round of antibiotics, and there were maggots living in his skin.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Despite being abused and neglected, he gladly welcomed love and affection from staffers.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
And they gave him plenty of it.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
With some help from generous donors, like the little girl pictured here, they were able to give Libre everything he needed.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
The little guy was spoiled rotten, just as he should have been all his life.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
After days of rigorous care, the determined dog rose to his feet.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Although he experienced plenty of setbacks, he kept pushing forward.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
A little bit of light came back to Libre’s eyes, which were marred by corneal ulcers.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
The nugget certainly wasn’t starved for attention anymore!
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Day after day, Libre continued to improve.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
His recovery was slow, but steady.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Because he had so many wounds, it was very important to keep him in a sterile environment.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Heartbreakingly, the same woman surrendered Libre’s mother. She was also in very poor condition.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
While rescuers are so thrilled that Libre’s on the mend, Guido is still horrified with how the case is being handled by the SPCA center to which he and his mother were given.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
A representative from the Lancaster SPCA said that the organization will not be pressing charges against the breeder.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
The rep explained to LancasterOnline that they cannot prove “beyond a reasonable doubt that the individual willingly and knowingly grossly neglected care for the animal intending to cause foreseeable grave injury or harm.”
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
But how is that even possible? Libre and his mother clearly suffered at the hands of an abuser.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
How else would they have gotten so sick?
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
That’s exactly what Guido wants to know. As she explained to the same site, “I don’t know how [Libre] could have been in worse condition.”
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
Although it’s unfair, she’s just happy that her favorite little guy is healing.
Facebook / Speranza Animal Rescue
She’s even happier, however, that she will be the one taking him home. She promised him that if he healed, he’d have a forever home with her. She’s not going back on that.
Facebook / Speranza Animal Rescue
He’s finally well enough to run and play!
Facebook / Speranza Animal Rescue
Instead of heartbreak, Libre now has nothing but love, kisses, and plenty of sunshine on the horizon.
Facebook / Dillsburg Veterinary Center
If you’d like to make this beautiful boy’s life a little bit sweeter, please consider donating to his medical bills here and get him something fun to play with on his wish list.