This Abandoned Dog Lost A Part Of His Face But An Animal Shelter Turned His Life Around

The shelter raised money for a surgery, and he soon found his forever home.

Senad

• Published in Animal Stories
• July 26, 2023

In the world of animal shelters, it's a sad reality that some dogs are less likely to be adopted due to their appearance. But as any true animal lover knows, beauty is more than skin deep, and even the most unique-looking canines have the most attractive personalities waiting to be discovered.

This heartwarming story is a testament to the power of compassion and the incredible impact a small group of rescuers can have on the life of one special dog.

Meet Bjarni, a mixed-breed dog with a remarkable look that sets him apart from the rest. In 2015, animal control officers in Huntsville, Texas, came across Bjarni with half of his lips and nose missing.

It was evident that he had suffered a traumatic attack from another animal, leaving him with crooked teeth and bite marks. The poor pup was having difficulty breathing and eating, and his owners, rather than seeking help for him, chose to abandon him, leaving him behind at the shelter with little hope for a bright future.

Thankfully, Bjarni's luck was about to change when a tiny band of compassionate rescuers stepped in to give him the love and attention he so desperately needed. Anne Graber, the founder of the Texas-based animal rescue group St. Francis' Angels, heard about Bjarni's plight and knew she had to help.

She took Bjarni under her care, making a promise to look after him until he was well enough to find his forever home.

This is Bjorn, the brave pup

The St. Francis' Angels provided a safe place for Bjorni

Despite his physical limitations, Graber describes Bjarni as a vivacious and charming dog, full of love and personality that shines through despite his external appearance. Determined to improve Bjarni's quality of life and make him more adoptable, Graber began searching for clinics that could offer the specialized procedure he needed to rebuild his snout.

Graber's relentless efforts paid off when she found Dr. Jason Balara at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, who generously agreed to perform the delicate surgery to reconstruct Bjarni's snout.

The animal-loving community rallied behind Bjarni, donating funds for his medical expenses through St. Francis' Angels' Facebook page. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, with many people contributing to the cause, raising a total of $5,100 in in-kind gifts to help give Bjarni the life he deserved.

Through their page, they managed to raise the funds needed for Bjarni's surgery

The surgery was a success and Bjarni was back to his old self

The surgery was a resounding success, not only improving Bjarni's appearance but also restoring his ability to breathe and feed himself more comfortably. Graber was overjoyed with the transformation and knew that this would significantly increase Bjarni's chances of finding a loving forever family.

And indeed, just a few months after his life-changing surgery, Bjarni found his new family. The once abandoned and overlooked dog now had a chance at a bright and happy future, thanks to the dedication and compassion of a few kind-hearted individuals who refused to give up on him.

Soon after the surgery, Bjarni found a new forever home

Check out this video if you want to know more about Bjarni:

Graber remains grateful for the opportunity to assist Bjarni, knowing that without her intervention and the support of the community, his fate could have been very different. Bjarni's story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the undeniable bond between humans and animals.

Bjarni's journey from a neglected and vulnerable dog to a beloved and cherished family member is a true testament to the transformative power of compassion and the incredible impact that a small group of dedicated rescuers can have on the life of one special canine.

Senad