A dog who was found bleeding in a doorway in Beirut, having had one of his hind legs shattered by gunfire, has been given a second chance at life—7,000 miles away.
Dante, who is a mix of border collie and German shepherd and is thought to be around 8 years old, could easily have died the day a series of bullets penetrated one of his legs, leaving him bleeding, in pain and struggling to move.
Warning: The image below shows injuries to Dante that some readers may find upsetting.
Dante was found badly injured in Beirut and ultimately had a leg amputated.
SARA Sanctuary
Instead, he was rescued by a good Samaritan before embarking on a journey that would see him swap the streets of Beirut for the surroundings of the Society for Animal Rescue & Adoption (SARA) Sanctuary, the largest animal sanctuary in Texas, located in Seguin, 42 miles east of San Antonio.
He was rescued alongside another dog called Viking. They were saved as part of an international rescue effort coordinated by a veterinarian from Michigan who escorted the canines back, flying to France and then on to Houston.
Dante and Viking were then picked up by a Sara Sanctuary employee who took them the rest of the way in what was a truly international operation.
In the time since his injury, veterinarians determined Dante’s badly wounded hind leg could not be saved. The limb was amputated, but he’s not let it hold him back.
“Dante has adapted well to his disability,” a SARA Sanctuary spokesperson told Newsweek. “He gets around well and can run, jump, and play.”
Though it’s not always been easy for Dante, his carers are pleased to report that he is adjusting well to life in his new surroundings.
Dante initially had some issues with aggression toward a foster carer but, given time to adjust, he’s now fairing much better, with SARA Sanctuary reporting that he’s “very relaxed now.”
“His leg has healed and he doesn’t need further treatment, but may need pain medication if he gets sore from moving around on three legs,” it said.
The shelter is now looking toward the future and finding Dante a forever home that suits his needs as a rescue dog who has already been through so much.
Staff at SARA Sanctuary believe Dante would be best suited to a home that only has adults in it, though not necessarily one where he would be the only dog.
“He’s been sweet and friendly at his new home and likes other dogs,” SARA Sanctuary said. “Dante would be best suited for someone who has a calm home for an older dog.”
Dante is on the road to recovery and the next step is finding a forever home.
Animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell explained why it is important for anyone adopting a dog to know about the “3-3-3” process.
“For the first three days, dogs are often in a bit of shock, and don’t show you too much about who they are until they’ve been there a few days,” she said. “After three weeks, many dogs have settled and behave as though they feel like they are home now, but they really don’t fit into your routine until about three months have gone by.”
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