Journey, a Shiba Inu/Jundo mix, was the only puppy to survive after someone set fire to her litter last November. Her paws were badly burned—the left was nearly completely singed off—making it difficult for her to walk.
But thanks to a kind caretaker and some generous dog lovers, Journey, who was born in South Korea, has received a new set of prosthetic paws to run around and play in.
When Marilyn Hendrickson heard about Journey’s plight, she contacted the canine division at MEOW Cat Rescue in Kirkland, Washington for help, according to KOMO News.
She then flew to South Korea to pick up Journey and bring her back to Seattle in April.
“I bent down to say hello and she looked at me, softly licked my face and began wagging her tail. There was so much softness and trust in her eyes – despite the ordeal that she’s been through,” she told KOMO at the time.
Journey had been wearing padded boots to protect her feet as she moved around, but Hendrickson told KOMO that Journey would need to be fitted with custom socks, boots and braces for her feet so she could live comfortably — a process that would cost nearly $2,000.
Journey’s story struck a chord with many gracious readers, and less than two weeks after KOMO shared the story in May, enough donations poured in to cover the costs.
“There really is no way to adequately express our thanks to the generous people who have helped turn Journey’s life around. We are full of gratitude,” Hendrickson said.
After being fitted for plaster castings, Journey’s casts were sent to OrthoPets for custom-made fiberglass prosthetic braces. However, she suffered from a setback a few weeks after, and had to have part of her right front paw amputated, though she has since recovered.
Prosthetic paws help abused dog severely burned in arson run again
http://t.co/6Ody6zn1vM pic.twitter.com/kADWPlqK5S
— KOMO News (@komonews) August 26, 2015
Despite still experiencing some soreness, Hendrickson told KOMO that Journey went for her first three-mile run on Monday, and is preparing for a 5K run in October.
Though Hendrickson had initially only intended to be Journey’s foster mom, she’s changed her mind.
“We’re keeping her. I can’t imagine life without her at this point.”
[H/T: KOMO News]
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