An Update on Bobby: A Story of Christmas Hope

By Kaytie Grant

An Update on Bobby

As many of you may have seen from our recent newsletter, we recently rescued Bobby. The scene was one our Head Vet, Dr. Roland, knows all too well, but one he could never ignore.

Behind a council office building in Concepcion, not far from our Treatment Centre, lay Bobby. Starving, weak, and in agonising pain, he was a tragic sight: severely malnourished, his coat ravaged by Mange, and his eyes cloudy with infection. Cruelly attached to his collar was a heavy, broken length of an old lead—a painful, tangible reminder of the human betrayal he had suffered.

When Doc first tried to approach, Bobby was defensive and paralyzed by fear, a clear sign of past abuse. Knowing a direct confrontation would fail, Doc called for backup. Our dedicated kennel team arrived swiftly, bringing a crate and, most importantly, food. Through quiet patience and gentle reassurance, they tempted the frightened dog, showing him that we came with peace and promise, not pain. In a moment of incredible trust, Bobby made a choice for life and hope: he stepped inside the crate on his own.

The team brought Bobby immediately back to the Centre. He was safely settled into one of our dedicated quarantine kennels—a critical first step to assess his full condition, begin urgent treatments for his mange and painful eye infections, and ensure he posed no risk to our other dogs.

Finding Comfort and Joy at the Centre

We are delighted to report that Bobby has settled in remarkably well in his safe new environment. His initial fear, which made him so defensive, has begun to soften, replaced by a tentative curiosity about his surroundings. He is responding positively to his initial medical treatments for mange and his painful eye infections, and we are seeing significant improvement in his overall health.

Most wonderfully, he is learning a profound lesson: that human hands bring comfort, not cruelty. Our brilliant team of kennelmates has begun the crucial process of one-on-one rehabilitation. Surrounded by gentle care, the promise of regular food, and the safety of shelter, Bobby is finding comfort and beginning to truly enjoy his time at the centre. He has moved from a place of hopelessness to a centre of warmth and security, and every day brings new milestones as he embraces this chance for a new beginning.

The Long Road to Trust

This next stage is crucial. It’s not just about medication; it’s about rebuilding trust. Our team is committed to the gentle process of rehabilitation and socialisation. This dedicated work requires patience, expert care, and consistent resources to help Bobby forget the trauma of his past and prepare him for a loving, permanent home.

Every success story like Bobby’s is a testament to the compassion of our supporters. The dedicated time of our team, the veterinary supplies, and the life-saving food are all funded by your generosity. As we continue this long road to full recovery, we ask for your continued support to secure Bobby’s journey, and the journeys of every animal who walks through our doors. We are hopeful that, following a successful rehabilitation, Bobby will find the lasting love he so deeply deserves, with a family who will treat him properly!

BLOG

More from our blog articles