Abandoned Pug Found Wrapped in a Dirty T-Shirt, Then A Hero Found Her & Everything Changed
Not many dogs go on to live happy lives after being abandoned by their owners. But a Pug called Charlene gets to defy that norm as her life turned around for the better after she was dumped by the people she once considered family. (Watch Video Above)
Charlene was not only heartlessly abandoned but was also found tied up and mistreated. Her previous owner apparently used a dirty T-shirt to tie up around her body to cover hot spots to prevent infection. She was undoubtedly in rough shape, but now she has a hope for a much better future after the intervention of Wags and Walks Rescue.
Rescue That Changed Life
When Wags & Walks found the 1-year-old Pug, they didn’t hesitate to take her in and quickly fell in love, naming her Charlene. As they gently removed the dirty T-shirt wrapped around her, they uncovered painful wounds that needed immediate medical care.
Charlene was made a top priority. The team gave her a much-needed bath, treated her injuries, and made sure she felt safe and comforted.
Once she was feeling a little better, they found her a loving foster home where she could finally rest, decompress, and begin the healing process—both inside and out.
Support Charlene’s Journey—And Others Like Her
Charlene’s incredible transformation was only possible thanks to the unwavering efforts of Wags & Walks and the generosity of people like you. If you’d like to help the Los Angeles-based rescue save more dogs like Charlene, please consider donating—every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Visit this link to make a donation.
Even better? You could be the one to give Charlene the forever home she’s been waiting for. She’s a sweet, resilient pup ready to be someone’s perfect companion.
”It’s hard to imagine how anyone could abandon a dog like Charlene, but it’s even more powerful to see how quickly love can change a life. Her story is a beautiful reminder that every dog deserves a second chance,” states Rocky Kanaka, a pet rescue advocate.
Dog Wound Care
Seeing Charlene’s wounds might have you wondering how to care for your own dog’s injuries. Here are some expert tips from Dr. Rhiannon Koehler on how to safely clean and treat your dog’s wounds at home.
Assessing the Injury
First, assess the severity of the injury. If it’s a minor cut or scrape, you can proceed with the steps below. However, if the wound is more serious, it’s best to seek veterinary attention right away.
Preparing for Dog Wound Care
- Put on disposable gloves to keep your hands clean and protect your pet from any contaminants on your hands.
- Use clippers or scissors to carefully clip the fur away from the area around the wound. Make sure to wipe away any loose hair that gets in the wound while cleaning.
Cleaning the Wound
- Start by washing the wound with water to clear away dirt and debris.
- Use wound spray and wound wipes to finish cleaning the wound.
Controlling Bleeding and Promoting Healing
- If your dog has a minor cut or torn nail, apply styptic powder to help stop the bleeding.
- Apply a small amount of wound ointment, such as medical-grade honey ointment with antibacterial properties or inflammation relief creams with hydrocortisone, to help promote healing.
Dressing the Wound
- For wounds on the neck, chest, or abdomen, use an adhesive wound dressing. You can use medical tape to secure the dressing if it doesn’t stick well.
- For wounds on the leg or tail that require bandaging, consider seeking veterinary attention to avoid wrapping too tightly.
Preventing Licking and Biting
If the wound is in an area your dog can lick or bite, use a recovery cone to prevent further irritation.
Aftercare
- For bandaged wounds, change the bandage and clean the wound daily for the first three days, then every two to three days. Monitor for signs of infection.
- For unbandaged wounds, follow the same cleaning schedule. If you notice signs of infection or poor healing, seek veterinary attention.
Monitoring Bandaged Leg Wounds
If your dog has a bandage on their leg, watch for signs that the bandage is too tight, such as:
- Swelling beneath the bandage
- Increased space between the toes due to swelling
- Discoloration or purplish tint to the skin
- Dog chewing or licking at the bandage or lower limb
- Limping or lameness
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.
