For two full weeks of Forest the dog's life, he lived a complete nightmare.
This precious angel lay ensnared, in the middle of the woods, stuck in a trap designed to catch bears. While it is not entirely clear how Forest landed himself in this entanglement, he was undoubtedly suffering.
Thankfully, though, a team from Poland’s Centrum Adopyine Lecznicy eventually discovered and rescued Forest from this painful trap.
These folks, particularly his primary caregiver, Jakub Kotowicz, immediately began nursing Forest back to good health. It took 30 days, but eventually, Forest began showing signs of improvement.
Weathering dark situations is easier with a helping hand. Forest’s touching story is a strong reminder that even when the odds are absolutely not in our favor, we must never lose hope.
Forest has been blessed to find such compassionate rescuers, devoted to his health and happiness.
Keep scrolling through our gallery below to learn more about his incredible journey and rescue!
[H/T: The Dodo]
For two full weeks, Forest the dog lived in agony.
He found himself trapped in a hunter’s trap, designed to catch bears.
This photo of Forest's injuries may be disturbing to some. Please click to reveal the image if you would like to view just how far he has come in his recovery.
Valiant survivor that he is, though, Forest willed himself to endure.
While he was tethered to this one location, unable to move, he resourcefully licked surrounding patches of snow for hydration.
This photo of Forest receiving medical attention may be disturbing to some. Please click to reveal the image if you would like to view just how far he has come in his recovery.
After two weeks in these dire straits, Forest’s luck finally started improving.
Rescuers from Polish animal rescue group, Centrum Adopyine Lecznicy, found Forest, freed him from his constraints, and immediately shuttled him over to their facility for proper rehabilitation.
Jakub Kotowicz, in particular, diligently nursed little Forest back to health.
Centrum Adopcyjne Lecznicy explained in their Facebook post, “Jakub Kotowicz, spent the last month caring for Forest, giving him every bit of time he could.
“It is perhaps this friendship, this selfless empathy, that allowed Forest to get back up on his feet.”
While Forest’s overall survival is no longer imminently threatened, he has lost his two left-side legs to this ordeal.
How did Forest fall victim to this scary fate?
His rescuers are not entirely certain, remarking, “What we do not know, is who did this to him. We don't know why.
“If it was a poacher, he was probably checking that trap every day — and consciously chose to ignore the dying dog.”
Between the fever, infection, and parasites Forest had contracted during his two-week entrapment, this dog certainly had big hurdles to overcome.
However, Kotowicz and the medical team diligently cleaned Forest’s wounds, settled his fever, and rid his body of its parasitic inhabitants.
Kotowicz also spent countless hours simply keeping this adorable survivor company.
It's truly amazing how powerful a little togetherness can be.
In just one month’s time, Forest escaped imminent danger.
He is now learning to run with the two legs he has left.
He uses his bushy tail as a stabilizer, keeping him balanced as he charges full-steam ahead into playtime.
Centrum Adopcyjne Lecznicy is hoping to raise sufficient funds to outfit little Forest with prosthetics.
These prosthetic limbs would fully restore his ability to run and play, as well as protect his remaining limbs from overuse.
Forest is a valiant survivor.
Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this dog, with the help of his faithful nursing staff, is racing toward the light at the end of the tunnel.
Forest survived catastrophe, thanks to his new friends' diligent love and care.
What do you think of Forest’s story? Have you ever rescued a struggling animal? Tell us your story in the comments.
Would you like to help little Forest? You can donate to his recovery here.
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