Earlier this year, a two-year-old Pointer mix was found on the streets of Tijuana by a rescuer.The poor dog, who has since been named Dwayne, was desperately scrounging for food while local residents threw scalding hot water and stones at him, ԀisgusƗeԀ by his deformities.

The rescuer then discovered the dog’s original guardian, who had bound his mouth with a c.r.u.e.l wire-muzzle and regularly kicked him with sticks.

The person was serving jail time for unrelated offense. Dwayne was left to fend for himself on the streets. To make matters worse, he was further wounded when he was attacked by two large dogs, causing severe head injuries and nearly removed his ears.

Thanks to the rescuer, the pup thankfully made it to the Helen Woodward Animal Center, an animal shelter located in Rancho Santa Fe, California that holds a passionate belief that “animals help people and people help animals through trust, unconditional love, and respect creates a legacy of caring.”
From H.o.r.r.i.f.ic A.b.u.s.e to Caring Hands

Despite all of the horrific treatment the dog had endured, he had nothing but love to offer each person he met. He would lower his head, offering a lick and would gently press his body against anyone who came close.

The Helen Woodward center was determined to give Dwayne the life he deserved. Over the course of months, specialists repaired his severely malformed front leg and elbow, as well as performed a facial reconstruction surgery to repair the extreme mutilation of his nose and mouth.

A renowned stem cell therapy institute, Vet-Stem Biopharma, even stepped up to offer cutting-edge treatment to help Dwayne’s healing process.

The technology harvests tissue from an injured animal and delivers the animal’s own healing stems back to the site of the injury and throughout the body by IV. The procedure usually costs around $2,500 but Dr. Schaffer of Vet-Stem Biopharma was so touched by Dwayne’s story, he offered the procedure for free.Determined to use every applicable modern medicine available to help heal his injuries, the Helen Woodward Center also provided laser therapy for the areas impacted by his facial reconstruction surgeries.Laser treatments have been shown to speed the healing process, reduce inflammation, as well as help with pain. The sweet pup as a trooper through it all.

Dwayne’s story touched the hearts of thousands of animal lovers who helped to raise over $40,000 for his recovery. By August of 2017, the formerly a.b.u.s.e.d and orphaned sweetheart of a dog was ready to find his forever home.

To ensure the best possible home for this sweet boy, the Helen Woodward Animal Center requested a 100 word-or-less essay or a one-minute video to accompany each application, stating why the potential adopter would be best suited to Dwayne, as well as several qualifications.

Generously, the center offered half off all of Dwayne’s medical expenses for life, just as long as his new family brings him into the center for his ongoing treatment.

After many applications to find Dwayne his forever home, the center finally found the perfect match with Kelly Nelle. Now, Dwayne is forgetting his traumatic past and learning to be a dog again.

Dwayne has couch access, lots of toys to play with and of course, the adoration of his human mom. We are ecstatic to see Dwayne beat the odds with his inspiring transformation.

Once s.t.a.r.v.e.d and unable to stand, he refused to give up. Now he has his happily ever after. Happy tears!

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10 Common Health Problems in Dogs

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs that causes inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness, which can affect the dog’s mobility. This condition can be managed through medication, physical therapy, and homeopathic remedies. Glucosamine is also effective in preventing and alleviating the symptoms of arthritis.

2. Obesity

Obesity is prevalent among dogs, with almost 60% of them either overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of certain types of cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The best way to avoid and treat obesity is to provide a healthy diet and regular exercise. Consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet or exercise routine.

3. Dental Diseases

Dental disease in dogs is typically caused by an unclean mouth, and approximately 80% of dogs will have some signs of dental disease by the age of two. Gum disease is the most common type of dental disease, which can cause bacterial infections that may require surgical removal to prevent the infection from spreading to the jaw and skull. Regular dental care can prevent oral diseases.

4. Allergies

Skin allergies in dogs are more common than food allergies and are often manifested as atopic dermatitis. Allergies cannot be cured but can be managed with medication or a prescribed diet.

5. Skin Infections and Hot Spots

Skin infections and hot spots can occur when bacteria infect a wound, leading to redness, inflammation, itching, and irritation. Bathing your dog regularly and seeking veterinary care for wounds can help prevent infections.

6. Benign Tumors

Benign tumors are usually harmless fatty deposits or skin lumps that are unlikely to spread or cause significant harm. If you notice any lumps on your dog’s skin, you should get them checked by a vet to determine the best options for treatment.

7. Parasites

Parasites can enter or attach to your dog’s body when they eat something contaminated or come into contact with another animal that has the parasite. Internal parasites (heartworms), intestinal parasites (hookworms and ringworms), and external parasites (fleas and ticks) are common. Coccidia in puppies and Giardia in dogs are also frequently transmitted through contaminated water sources.

8. Ear Infections

Ear infections can be caused by several factors, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, wax buildup, and excessive cleaning. Signs of an ear infection include excessive scratching or shaking of the head, odor, dark discharges, and redness or swelling in the ear canal. Medicated cleansers, topical medication, and oral antibiotics can treat dog ear infections.

9. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause discomfort, pain, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. UTIs could be a sign of a more severe issue like bladder stones or urinary blockage, and it is crucial to consult a veterinarian immediately.

10. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries occur when a dog pulls a muscle, sprains a joint, or causes damage to the canine soft tissue. Rest, medication, and physical therapy are typically required to help dogs recover from soft tissue injuries.

In conclusion, as a responsible pet parent, educating yourself about the most common symptoms of a sick dog and ensuring access to a veterinarian are essential for your pet’s wellbeing. Some health conditions can be hard to detect, and you should never wait until it’s too late.