Poor Zorro is not yet 6 months old, but he has already endured a lifetime of pain. The poor little puppy was brought to Horizon Animal Hospital through the Bixby Police Department after they found him in a ditch.
They believe Zorro was kept in a home where they made crystal meth, as he had chemical burns to 50 percent of his body and was suffering withdrawal symptoms due to addiction to the terrible drug.
Photo credit: Horizon Animal Hospital
Zorro was suffering “aches, pains, hallucinations, shaking and crying” said his rescuers. Zorro likely got the chemical burns after breathing in the drug, which then seeped through his skin, causing the burns and red marks in the process.
Photo credit: Horizon Animal Hospital
“He is very also emaciated and can’t eat because of burns on his tongue,” Joleen Wiggam Hansen with the Horizon Animal Hospital wrote on Facebook. They also believe he is suffering burns to his intestinal track.
Despite his terrible condition, the vet hospital, which also has a registered animal rescue charity, Horizon Animal Heroes, knew they wanted to save him.
Joleen explains that Zorro was not humanely euthanized because he was not ready to give up. “I promise that we would never, ever keep him alive if we thought he would not make a 100% recovery,” she said. “But HE is willing to fight, so why in the hell would we not help him FIGHT!”
Their immediate challenge was to get his body temperature to return to normal. They gave him a blood transfusion and warmed him with a heating pad and provided much needed nutrients through an IV.
They also washed off the drug residue (the purple on his fur is from “purple meth”).
Photo credit: Horizon Animal Hospital
And they let him rest and sleep.
Photo credit: Horizon Animal Hospital
Although he is not out of the woods, after a night in the hospital, Zorro’s rescuers shared some good news. Zorro is able to urinate and have bowel movements, which is a relief given the internal damage caused by the chemicals. “This is good because it means his insides are functioning again,” said Joleen.
He is still very weak, but he is getting rest and they are taking his recovery day by day.
Photo credit: Horizon Animal Hospital
Joleen says that Horizon Animal Heroes has helped animals like Zorro in the past and don’t plan in giving up on him. “Our rescue’s mission is to save animals who would normally be euthanized for their condition (sadly some have been close to his condition) and fix their pain, and show them the love that other humans have not shown them,” she writes.
Photo credit: Horizon Animal Hospital
“If you have ever seen a dog or cat come out of a situation and thrive with a family who adores them and loves them like they should be loved, then you understand why we won’t let animals be put to sleep because of a temporary set back in their life,” she adds. “Animals are amazing, strong, and just want to be loved and needed.”
**Story Update February 13, 2016**
Sad news to share. Zorro has passed away. Dr. Cari McDonald shared the following news: “It is with a heavy heart and many tears that I must let everyone know that our little hero, Zorro, crossed quietly over Rainbow Bridge a little after 11 last night. He was peaceful and warm with all the prayers, love and support surrounding him in plush blankets and stuffed animals that everyone so generously donated. While I am deeply saddened that his journey on this earth has passed, I am comforted by the fact that this little guy knew what it was like to be held and loved in his short life.”
Rest in Peace, sweet Zorro.
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