Look closely. What’s worse than being knee-deep in shit? That’s what Margaret Girardeau and her coworker thought as they tried to pull a dog out of a septic tank. This poor pup had been trying to stay afloat in sewage for two days, and it was clear he had put up a fight to survive.
The dog, whom they later named Andy Dufresne, had nails worn off into the quick from desperately clawing at the cement walls of the septic tank. His face was covered in deep scrapes from repeated contact with the concrete sides, and his ears were full of contaminated water. His eyes were red and swollen from repeatedly going underwater in his struggle to keep his head above the surface.
It was unclear why the septic tank had been left uncovered or why it took so long for Andy to be rescued. He was completely exhausted and in pain, and it was evident in his demeanor. Despite having multiple baths, he still smelled like sewage even after the rescue team tried using the skunk treatment on his fur to reduce the smell.
But Andy was a brave boy throughout all the invasive procedures, including the cleaning of his ears. On the first day, he was still recovering and mostly slept. He preferred to be hand-fed, as it took too much energy for him to sit up and eat from a bowl. He was carried to go potty, as he didn’t have the strength to walk yet.
Days went by, and Andy slowly started to show signs of improvement. He had his first poop since being rescued, and although it smelled awful, it was a positive sign of his progress. He was named Andy Dufresne, and despite his physical state, he showed a zest for life and a resilient spirit.
By day 10, Andy was feeling more comfortable and had started to play with his foster brother, Bolt. He was becoming an inquisitive explorer, curious about his surroundings. He was also learning basic commands, although sitting proved to be a challenge for him due to his weakened state.
Day 18 brought a heartwarming moment as Andy wanted to be included in his foster mom’s Pampered Chef order to benefit their rescue. It was clear that he was already feeling at home and part of the family. And by day 24, he had undergone surgery to address the issues with his feet, and although he wasn’t feeling his best, he was on the road to recovery.
Finally, on day 30, Andy was ready to go to his forever home. He was fully healthy and very happy, and his new parents were eagerly awaiting his arrival. As he arrived in his new home, a welcome sign greeted him, and it was clear that he was already loved by his new family.
Andy Dufresne’s story was one of resilience, courage, and the power of love and care. Despite the ordeal he had been through, he had found a new lease on life and was now surrounded by people who adored him. It was a testament to the determination and kindness of those who had rescued and cared for him, and a reminder of the incredible resilience of animals in the face of adversity. Andy’s story would continue to inspire others and serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion towards animals in need.
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