At 7 a.m., we received an urgent call for help from a man who, while shopping for groceries, stumbled upon a distressed dog struggling to crawl. The poor creature had a massive tumor on her body, and his heart went out to her. Without hesitation, we gathered the necessary supplies and set off for the remote rural area he described, knowing it would take us nine long hours to reach her. Upon our arrival, we met an elderly woman, the dog’s owner, who led us to where the animal lay. Our hearts sank as we approached a frail, sad-faced dog lying on the bare ground. Her eyes were tired, and a large tumor bulged under her belly, hindering her movements. Each attempt to shift her position was a laborious effort.

The old woman explained that the tumor had developed slowly over time. Initially small, it had grown to weigh over five kilograms, severely impacting her health and mobility. Despite their attempts to find veterinary help, the couple lived in a poor area with limited access to medical care. They had contemplated traveling to the city for treatment, but the long journey and cost were daunting. Resigned, they allowed their beloved dog to suffer. After assessing the situation, we offered to take the dog to the city for treatment. The elderly couple was hesitant but ultimately grateful for our help, knowing their beloved pet needed medical attention. As the old man gently lifted her into his arms, the old woman brought her some food, her eyes welling with tears. It was a painful moment, watching the couple part with their cherished companion, and several in our group found themselves overwhelmed with emotion.

We promised to return her in two weeks, hopeful for a positive outcome. Thankfully, after a thorough examination, the vet confirmed that the tumor was benign. Surgeons successfully removed the mass, and after two weeks of care, her health improved significantly. We were ecstatic to bring her home, where the old couple eagerly awaited her return. When the old woman saw her dog, she ran to her, tears of joy streaming down her face as she watched her furry friend leap and play once more. The bond between them was undeniable; after two weeks apart, they were reunited and inseparable again.

A month later, we returned to visit. As we approached, the dog, now healthier and brimming with energy, ran to greet us, though she was still a bit shy. We found the old woman, who joyfully shared that her dog had fully recovered and even gained three kilograms. With love and care, her health had blossomed, and she now enjoyed a vibrant life filled with happiness. Grateful for the support and care they received, the elderly couple continued to cherish their beloved dog. We left with full hearts, thankful that, despite the hardships, they all found joy and companionship together.