Eliel was a shy and frightened boy who had experienced a life of unkindness. We found him wandering on the street, weak and damaged with skin like concrete that caused him unbearable pain. Confused and sad, he was riddled with illness and injury, including heartworm, ehrlichia, sarcoptic mange, whip and hookworms, and a leg injury. Poor Eliel only knew loneliness and didn’t know what was happening to him.

But his rescue was successful because of the Puerto Rico rescue community’s dedication and collaboration. Eliel was safe but needed immediate medical care, and the amazing vet staff took their time to help build his trust over the next few days. Slowly but surely, Eliel’s progress was positive, starting with medicated baths and treatments for sarcoptic mange and pyoderma skin infections. He was also positive for heartworm, which needed to be addressed after he gained more strength.

Although he was still frightened and unsure, Eliel made some fur friends, including darling BomBom, who seemed to enjoy each other’s company and helped each other out. Eliel was still shy of humans but allowed his foster mom to pet him, and his raw, painful skin was resolving with medication and baths.

Day by day, Eliel got a little bit stronger, a little bit more confident, and even sprouted some Gaia. He deserved a loving family, and once his heartworm was cured, we hoped to find him one to call his own. Despite his past neglect and loneliness, Eliel’s story showed that with dedication and collaboration, even the most frightened and damaged can find furriendship and hope.