When Barilla was brought to a cat and dog rescue facility in Granada, Spain, she was in a dire state, with only a few functioning internal organs and a body that was nothing but skin and bones. She was paralyzed in one area, her muscles were extremely weak, and she had lost the ability to walk.
The center’s staff feared that Barilla, who weighed just 7.2 kg, might not survive her severe illness. They understood that even a delay of one night could be fatal.
To help Barilla, who couldn’t stand on her own, the staff provided her with a support device to aid in muscle development. They also ensured she was hydrated continuously for six hours before introducing any more nourishing food.
Barilla has abrasions on all four of her legs from dragging herself along the ground.
After being given water for six hours, Barilla managed to stand and drink, but her ability to do so was short-lived.
After a week of care and therapy, Barilla gained 4 kg, but she still struggled to walk or stand for extended periods without frequently collapsing. It took an additional six weeks for her to start eating properly, and even then, she wasn’t able to run and jump like a healthy dog.
Barilla captured the staff’s full attention.
Eduardo Rodriguez, the 37-year-old owner of the shelter, chose to adopt Barilla after an immediate bond was formed between them. Barilla now lives with Rodriguez, his wife, their 14-year-old daughter, and five other dogs at their home near Granada.
Having spent several months on the streets, Barilla now has a loving home.
Rodriguez mentioned that he had never adopted a dog before, following the tragic loss of one of his pets in an accident five years ago. He shared that his decision was driven by Barilla’s remarkable will to survive and the strong connection he felt with her from the very first moment they met.
Rodriguez and Barilla showed immediate and deep affection for each other.
Barilla’s recovery has been remarkable; since her rescue on the fourth day, she has been eating five to six meals a day and gaining about one kilogram daily. She has already put on 20.8 kg and is close to making a full recovery.
Barilla was discovered by locals who subsequently notified the police and the rescue facility. At the time of her rescue, she was just ten months old. The police are still investigating who put the unfortunate dog in this predicament.
