Everyone Ignored the Dog With the Swollen Face—What One Person Did Will Break You
For days, he wandered the streets—his face swollen, his body covered in wounds—while people passed him by. No one stopped. No one helped. That is, until one compassionate bystander finally took notice. The dog, later named Elefanté, was barely clinging to life, but his gentle spirit hadn’t given up—and neither did the person who stepped in to save him. (Watch Video Above)
Struggle of Rescuing
Elefanté wandered the streets alone, his body covered in visible wounds and signs of pain, including a serious injury to one eye. Despite his clearly worsening condition, no one stepped forward to help him.
That changed when one compassionate person noticed his suffering and contacted Rebel Dogs Detroit for help. The rescue team immediately began searching, but Elefanté remained out of sight for days. Then, in a fortunate turn of events, the same Good Samaritan spotted him again and was able to catch him, keeping him safe until the rescue team could arrive and take over.
Relentless Medical Challenges
Once Rebel Dogs finally secured Elefanté, their veterinary team uncovered a heartbreaking list of medical issues. His severely swollen head and the welts covering his body were initially thought to be the result of a bacterial infection or allergic reaction. His eye injury, visibly painful, appeared to be beyond repair.
Emaciated and covered in wounds, Elefanté also had pressure sores on his rear—evidence of prolonged time spent lying on unforgiving surfaces.
After a week of hospitalization, his condition began to make more sense. Tests showed no bacterial growth, and antibiotics had no effect, leading vets to suspect an autoimmune response, possibly triggered by his positive heartworm status.
Once they started him on steroids, Elefanté began to improve. The swelling in his face subsided, and for the first time, he started eating and drinking on his own. It was the beginning of a long-overdue healing process.
As for his eyes, vets discovered that one pupil had ruptured, leaving him blind in that eye. Worse still, neither eye produces tears naturally, meaning Elefanté will need lifelong artificial tear drops to keep him comfortable and prevent further deterioration.
Elefanté Needs A Place To Heal
Despite everything he’s endured, Elefanté has shown nothing but sweetness. After being rescued by Rebel Dogs Detroit, he’s been receiving the medical care he desperately needs—and even at the hospital, he’s already won everyone’s hearts.
Thanks to the dedication of the rescue team, skilled veterinarians, and generous public donations, Elefanté is now stable and ready to leave the hospital. But there’s one heartbreaking catch—he has nowhere to go.
Elefanté urgently needs a foster home where he can rest, recover, and finally leave his painful past behind. Despite all he’s endured, he remains incredibly sweet and gentle, quickly becoming a favorite among hospital staff. His loving nature makes it clear: Elefanté will be a wonderful addition to any foster home.
He deserves peace, comfort, and a safe space to call his own. If you can open your heart and home, please consider submitting a foster application to Rebel Dogs Detroit. With the right care, Elefanté’s future can be as beautiful as his spirit.
“Elefante is the kind of dog who teaches us resilience. His past is heartbreaking, but his heart is still open. That kind of strength deserves to be met with unconditional love.” — Rocky Kanaka
