Whilst playing near their home one Saturday morning, several children were intrigued by faint cries that seemed to be coming from deep within the woods. As they pushed through the branches, a flash of red suddenly caught their eye: a collar attached to the neck of a terrified dog, held in place by a chain firmly locked around a bamboo tree.
The animal was emaciated and visibly weakened, with no water or food. More worryingly still, he had lost an eye. The children immediately alerted an adult, which quickly led to the information reaching Keri Bullock Toth, a local rescuer used to dealing with emergency situations.
An improvised rescue deep in the woods
Faced with the city services' inability to intervene quickly, the volunteer took matters into her own hands. With the help of a friend, she organised a discreet intervention. Her friend ventured alone into the wooded area to assess the dog's condition. Despite his fear, the animal showed no signs of aggression. He seemed mostly lost and bewildered.
After offering him some food, the rescuer eventually freed the bamboo by gently bending it until it gave way. The dog could then be unchained and guided out of the undergrowth. Toth collected him that very evening, despite having a full shelter and no medical resources available.
The following day, she sought help from Mardi Paws, a local organisation, to fund veterinary care. Renamed Red Vern, the dog underwent a full examination, received his vaccinations, antibiotics and stitches for his eye injury.
Now in foster care, Red Vern is slowly regaining confidence. Very affectionate, he constantly seeks human closeness and readily leans against the knees of those around him. His hesitation to walk through a door suggests he probably lived outdoors all his life, but he's now discovering the comfort of a warm home. The dog will continue his heartworm treatment before joining his new family: an adoption is already underway, finally offering him the prospect of a peaceful life.
