There was a rumor going around that Duke had fallen sick several years ago. It was said that his illness was highly contagious and that people should stay away from him. Consequently, poor Duke, who was just a 10-month-old puppy at the time, was tied to a rundown trailer and left all alone.
Duke sought refuge under a dilapidated trailer on the outskirts of a town in Bulgaria, enduring an arduous ten-day period of isolation. Unfortunately, this form of quarantine inflicted immense suffering upon him. Despite the despair that prevailed, a compassionate villager took notice of Duke’s plight and reached out to Rudozem Street Dog Rescue. This esteemed organization, dedicated to aiding distressed animals, received the woman’s message and promptly offered assistance.
Tony Rowles, the founder of the organization, stumbled upon a distressed canine covered in a swarm of flies and confined in its own excrement. Understandably, the poor creature was trembling with fear and unease.
Describing the distressing encounter to The Dodo, Rowles expressed, “He was visibly terrified. The stench of ammonia was overpowering. The poor thing was utterly immobilized, unable to even budge an inch.”
Nevertheless, Duke bestowed a kiss upon the first outstretched hand he encountered. Due to the cramped conditions of the group’s refuge, Duke found temporary shelter in the Rowles’ residence, alongside a number of fellow canines and felines. Surprisingly, the dog’s affable demeanor was the only infectious quality he possessed. However, he did exhibit a noticeable fear of men during a brief period.
“When I initially approached him, he appeared to be in good spirits. However, his apprehension was evident in his cautious movements and retreating gestures during the initial weeks,” Rowles comments, reflecting on the early days with Duke. “Surprisingly, he formed a strong bond with my wife, Diane, and held a deep affection for her.”
Additionally, Duke’s deteriorated and distorted feet became a cause for concern. After a thorough examination by a veterinarian, a troubling revelation came to light – Duke had fallen victim to an infectious condition.
Rowles recounts the shocking revelation from the vet regarding the trauma inflicted on Duke’s feet. The news was truly unexpected and took them by surprise. It was evident that Duke’s feet were badly broken and had suffered severe damage. His ligaments were completely destroyed, and the bones in his feet were even floating around.
In addition to the foot injuries, Duke had also endured starvation. The heavy chain that had once confined him had also caused harm to his throat, leading to intense bouts of coughing.
To heal Duke’s injuries, a series of treatments were administered, including splints and multiple surgeries. Alongside the medical interventions, it was crucial for Duke to receive the right kind of nourishment and be surrounded by caring individuals.
Remarkably, after a long and arduous journey to recovery, Duke reached a turning point where Rowles and her team realized that he was finally ready for adoption.
Ever since they started their operations in Bulgaria a decade ago, this dedicated group has successfully found loving homes for more than 1,000 dogs. These fortunate canines have been transported to various countries including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, and the United States, embarking on new adventures and finding families who will cherish them. One heartwarming story involves Duke, a special pup who captured the heart of a woman named Diana Romaine in England. As Duke bid farewell to his rescuers, emotions ran high with tears flowing freely. However, the journey to his new home was not without its challenges. But two years down the line, Duke, who was once labeled as unapproachable, has managed to spread love and happiness all the way to that distant isle, leaving a trail of joy in his wake.
All it requires is the finest connection of all: a compassionate chain formed by humans. Would you like to support the noble cause of Rudozem Street Dog Rescue, dedicated to safeguarding animals like Duke? Show your support by contributing a donation through this link.
