He is one of many stray dogs whose pitiful condition will break any animal lover’s heart.
He was dirty and skin and bones due to living on the streets on his own. Worse, he was dragging himself along a busy street where dogs can be run over by a vehicle anytime.
Dr. Richard Rotor reported seeing Cuenco along Cuenco street, Banawe, Quezon City last August 29 to Dr. Mark Ramirez, husband of animal welfare advocate Anne Gabutina-Ramirez.
“My plan to just give this poor pup some food and water turned into a rescue mission. Thanks to the moral support of my loving husband, Mark! Seeing this disabled dog in such a vulnerable state broke my heart. I frantically looked for a cage, took Cuenco off that busy street and brought him directly to Pet Bureau for consultation, x-ray, deworming, anti-tick and fleas, and a much- needed bath,” said Anne, 49.
Anne is grateful to Dr. Jerry Howson and his staff “who were all so accommodating considering how smelly and dirty he was.”
The x-ray showed no fractures. "They suspect baka sobrang malnourished, or genetics, or may nerve damage due to trauma but no fracture per xray," Anne said.
Cuenco was given oral and topical meds for 15 days and massage therapy.
Anne describes Cuenco as a very sweet dog who does not complain one bit when handled.
“You just can't tell if he's happy or not because he has no chance to wag his tail. It was cut, probably in an accident. There were days when he tried using his hind legs. The kind vet sent a used wheelchair for free but it didn't fit him so we sent it back so another dog may use it. I recently called Tahanang Walang Hagdan for a home visit for his exact measurements, “ Anne shared.
Today, Cuenco lives with Anne and her family.
“Finding a dog house for pets with disabilities where they can slide in and out wasn't as easy as we thought though,” Anne said.
Mark, an anesthesiologist, decided to saw off the door of the pet carrier to turn it into a dog house for Cuenco. This was placed under a big roof in the yard.
Anne recalled: “When Cuenco saw his house, I almost felt him saying, ‘Thanks, Dad!’"
The floor was also tiled outside the house to fit his special need so that he won’t get injured when he drags himself.
“I want him to feel loved and my wish is for him to walk again so he can live a normal life. I see him looking out from his dog house in the morning as if singing, ‘What a wonderful world!’” Anne said.
Cuenco was supposed to be put up for adoption when he is completely well.
But, Anne said, “I have fallen in love with this sweet, appreciative baby boy and he'll be needing more attention now more than ever. We will continue his massage therapy. He is no longer up for adoption. We are keeping him for good!”
