Watch the Moment I Realize I Have to Take Her 🥹
I’ve seen countless cases in rescue, but every once in a while, one hits me harder than I expect. Valentina’s story is one of those moments. This 11-month-old Russian Terrier or Bouvier mix has endured unimaginable pain, yet somehow, she still finds the strength to wag her tail.
Let me tell you about this gentle girl’s journey—and how we’re working to give her the life she deserves.
A Shocking Discovery
When I saw Valentina, I knew the situation was dire. She had been found by Animal Control in the yard of a vacant home, alone and suffering from severe injuries. Her skin was covered in raw patches, likely from road rash after being hit by a car, or possibly from burns. Her face—oh, her face—was in such bad shape that I had to blur parts of it on camera.
The shelter staff wasted no time getting her on pain medication. She was given gabapentin for nerve pain, carprofen (similar to a strong Advil) for inflammation, and a heavier medication to manage her extreme discomfort. These meds were just enough to take the edge off, but it was clear she was still suffering.
When they scanned her for a microchip, they found one. But contacting the registered owner didn’t bring clarity—only frustration. The owner claimed they’d rehomed her six months ago, but couldn’t say to whom. The story changed several times, and it became painfully obvious they were trying to distance themselves. Eventually, they signed over ownership, allowing the shelter to act immediately.
A Plan Comes Together
Valentina’s body was a roadmap of neglect and trauma. I’ve seen a lot, but this was one of the worst cases I’d ever encountered.
But there was no time to dwell on heartbreak. We needed a plan, and we needed it fast. My wife Kelly and our producer Alexis got to work. The goal was to get Valentina into an emergency vet clinic that could not only treat her wounds but also provide medical boarding for ongoing care.
We contacted Animal Care Services, who agreed to take her in on short notice. They would stabilize her, assess her injuries, and figure out the extent of the damage—both external and internal. We were looking at potential surgeries, wound cleaning, antibiotics, and ongoing pain management.
While waiting for transport, I gave Valentina some gentle pets and treats. Despite everything, she was eager for affection, her tail giving hesitant wags. That small gesture of hope was all I needed to believe we could help her.
The Full Extent of Her Injuries
Valentina’s injuries were severe. The open wounds on her body suggested she’d been suffering for a while. Whether it was road rash or burns, one thing was clear: she had been neglected for far too long. Infection was a constant threat. Her skin, one of the body’s largest organs, was compromised.
The smell of her wounds was something I’ll never forget. It was a sour, pungent odor—a mix of dirt, infection, and decay. It clung to her fur and filled the air around her. Even from a distance, you could smell the neglect and suffering she had endured. That smell was a heartbreaking reminder of how long she’d been left untreated.
We also worried about internal injuries. Dogs hit by cars often suffer diaphragmatic hernias or other internal trauma that isn’t immediately obvious. A full workup, including X-rays and bloodwork, would help the vets understand what was going on beneath the surface.
Her ears were cropped—another sign of her troubled past. Why someone would crop the ears of a dog like her is beyond me.
The Action Plan
Here’s what we’re doing for Valentina:
- Immediate Veterinary Care: Animal Care Services took her in for emergency treatment. The plan was to clean her wounds, manage her pain, and assess the full extent of her injuries.
- Medications: She’s on a cocktail of meds to keep her comfortable:
- Gabapentin for nerve pain.
- Carprofen to reduce inflammation.
- A stronger painkiller to help her manage the worst of it.
- Wound Management: Her wounds are being cleaned and dressed to prevent infection. This will be an ongoing process.
- Diagnostic Testing: Full bloodwork and X-rays to check for internal injuries.
- Medical Boarding: She will stay at the vet clinic under close observation to monitor her progress and prevent complications.
- Future Surgeries: Depending on the vet’s findings, she may need surgery to repair any internal damage or to help her wounds heal properly.
- Rehabilitation: Once stabilized, Valentina will need time, love, and physical therapy to regain her strength.
The Road Ahead
Valentina’s journey is far from over. The road to recovery will be long, painful, and expensive. But I’ve promised her we’ll see it through. No matter the cost, no matter how long it takes, we’re in her corner.
This isn’t just about saving one dog. It’s about showing that every life matters—no matter how broken, no matter how lost. Valentina’s story is a reminder that we all have the power to help, to heal, and to hope.
We’ve got you, Valentina. And we’re not letting go.
