Meet Tootsie, a small and frangible dog who is a survivor of the dog meat truck trade. Tootsie, weighing only 2.5 kg, was rescued in a deplorable condition. She had an ear bacterial infection, systemic cutaneous mite infection, and was also combating distemper. To make matters worse, she had degenerative spinal disease with bone spurs in her spine that made it impossible for her to straighten up or move freely.
When Tootsie was first discovered, the first action was to shave her for skin treatment. She was started on medication for distemper and pain alleviation, but her condition remained critical. Her spine and rear legs were rigid due to the bone spurs, making it a chronic condition that required ongoing treatment. Despite her weak condition, Tootsie displayed remarkable resilience and fought hard to survive.
Tootsie’s treatment included acupuncture sessions three times a week, along with daily exercise to help her legs regain strength. She was given comfort, safety, and nourishing sustenance, and received round-the-clock attention from her caregivers. However, there was one thing they couldn’t give her – a true home. This realization shattered their hearts as they witnessed Tootsie’s brave battle for survival.
Despite her demanding health condition, Tootsie exhibited signs of improvement. She started eating more, and her spirit seemed to elevate. Her caregivers were hopeful that she would recover and find a forever home where she could live out the rest of her days in comfort and affection. However, her body ultimately gave up, and Tootsie passed away peacefully.
Tootsie’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the cruelty and inhumanity of the dog meat trade. It is a stark example of the suffering and neglect that many animals endure in this industry. Tootsie’s resilience and fighting spirit in the face of such adversity are a testimony to the unwavering will to live that animals possess, no matter how dire their circumstances.
Tootsie will never be forgotten by those who cared for her. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative need to end the dog meat trade and to continue advocating for the welfare and rights of animals. Rest in serenity, precious baby Tootsie. Your story has touched our hearts, and your memory will live on as a symbol of optimism and resilience in the face of cruelty.
