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Osi’s Journey: From Suffering to Joy

November 3, 2024

We first saw him as we drove by, lying at the front entrance of his owner’s house. His name was Osi, a once-loyal guardian left outside in all conditions, battling harsh weather and neglect. He was a picture of suffering, with malnourishment and a severe skin disease, yet most heartbreaking was the large, infected wound on his snout. The pain was evident in his eyes.

When we asked his owner if we could take Osi, they agreed without hesitation, almost relieved to pass him on. But for Osi, the loyalty he’d shown his whole life made it difficult to leave. As we lifted him into the cage, he whimpered, his cries piercing our hearts. Once at the clinic, vets quickly discovered the cause of his pain: a bone was lodged deep into his mouth tissue, causing a necrotizing infection. Left untreated, it would soon lead to sepsis and, inevitably, death. Osi needed emergency surgery. That night, he was prepped for the operation, shaved, bathed, and treated for anemia caused by a blood parasite. The surgery was a success—the embedded bone was removed, and his wound stitched carefully. We visited Osi the next day, finding him sore and confused but stable. The healing process had begun.

Over the next few days, Osi’s resilience shone through, though he struggled with the cage, having always been free. We took him for gentle walks to lift his spirits, each outing a chance for Osi to feel loved and to enjoy brief moments of freedom. His stitches healed well, and he was soon vaccinated and given a fresh grooming. He was so patient and brave, and we couldn’t wait to show him his next home—the Safe House. Moving into his new space, Osi was curious, meeting other dogs calmly and settling into his first true sanctuary. He even had his own little garden and his very first bed, but above all, Osi just wanted to be loved.

Within days, he was introduced to the other dogs, his heart opening to new bonds and friendships. He explored the seaside, running on soft sand and splashing in the river, a happy smile on his face. Five months later, his coat grew back, a beautiful white, and the once weary soul now radiated pure joy. At ten years old, Osi had finally found his peace, his happiness, and his forever family. To see him transformed is the most beautiful reward. Osi, may you know nothing but love for the rest of your life.