A heartwarming story of a community coming together in East Grand Rapids has emerged, as they rallied behind a dog who was found collapsed in the middle of a busy road.Emilie Bond recounts how her husband, while out walking their dog one June morning discovered the dog lying on the road. The condition of the dog now named Hope was described by Bond as distressing.
Bond shared the rescue story on the Hope for Hope – An Abandoned Dog in Grand Rapids Facebook page. “This morning, my husband and some neighbors noticed this starved and emaciated dog that had emerged from the woods and collapsed in the middle of morning traffic on Lakeside,” she wrote. She was too exhausted to walk across the street. Bystanders who were concerned stopped traffic. They kept her secure until they were able to guide her onto the pavement.”
The kind people gave Hope some water, which she eagerly drank in great gulps. She was so fatigued that she dipped her face into the water bowl and couldn’t generate the energy to raise her head again.
Authorities were notified, and both police officers and animal rescue teams responded to the location; but, considering Hope’s poor condition upon arrival, their hopes for her life were low.”Police and animal rescue were called.” For the dog,” Bond remarked, their response was hardly encouraging.
“That’s when Rachel, a neighbor who seemed like a guardian angel stepped in and expressed her determination to save the dog at any cost. She decided to take her to Cascade Animal Hospital. With this decision Rachel took on the responsibility and expenses for the dog, whom she named Hope. We found hope at Cascade Animal Hospital as they gave us reason to believe that she might recover.”
Hope, a Pit Bull thought to be 7 years old, is suspected of being used for breeding purposes by an irresponsible breeder before being abandoned. Hope has skin problems and has ingested rocks (a common tendency among hungry dogs), according to tests. The veterinarians are checking for any potential health problems.
As indicated in Bond’s update on Hope’s Facebook page, Rachel has kindly volunteered “to take this dog under her care or work responsibly with an organization to find Hope a home.”
Recognizing that Rachel would not be able to cover all of Hope’s medical expenditures, Bond launched a GoFundMe campaign and successfully raised funds for Hope’s care.
Hope faced moments during her week at the hospital; however her condition gradually improved over time.
On her night she was taken to the Animal Emergency Hospital, where she could receive treatment throughout the night and be, under constant monitoring.
After a days Hope showed stability to allow her to go home with Rachels family. Her caregivers expressed their happiness stating that she would have a place to sleep indoors on a bed experience boundless love and never face hunger again.
When we discovered Hope we were uncertain if this positive outcome would become a reality. Honestly things seemed bleak at first. However we were determined to give this girl a fighting chance and fight she did. Although she still has progress to make in terms of her health today she was filled with joy and affection, for her companions (she truly is the sweetest girl).