Some animal stories not only break your heart, but they also shake you to your core. Juno’s is one of those. On June 18, during a stretch of extreme heat and severe thunderstorms in Georgia, NYC Second Chance Rescue (NYCSCR) received an urgent call from a local shelter. A dog had been found in desperate need of help, and they were asked if they could take him in.
What follows is a difficult story, one that may be upsetting for some readers, but it’s also a story of hope, resilience, and the kindness of those who refuse to look away.
NYCSCR shared Juno’s story on Facebook, and you can read about how he was found here. “The call that came into animal control was chilling and highly disturbing: “There’s a dead dog in the grass outside my apartment. He’s been there for days. You need to send someone to pick it up.”
But when officers arrived, what they found wasn’t a dead body. It was a dog barely alive.
For days, Juno had been lying there in the Georgia heat and rainstorms, covered in matted overgrown hair and sores, emaciated and too weak to lift his head. His body is covered in hundreds, if not THOUSANDS, of maggots eating him alive.”
Related: Dog’s Rescue Story After Being Dumped on Busy Highway Has Us in Our Feelings
Update on Juno’s Condition
Since Juno was found, the rescue has been working around the clock to care for him and hopefully keep him alive. They’ve provided several updates on their Facebook page.
Juno remains in critical condition at the emergency hospital. Doctors had to place a feeding tube to start reintroducing nutrition as gently as possible. “He’s at high risk for refeeding syndrome, a condition that can shut the body down when food is reintroduced too quickly.”
Another update shared, “His body is so weak, his veins have collapsed. And now, as if his body hasn’t been through enough, his anemia has worsened. A life-saving blood transfusion is underway.”
“Juno is receiving aggressive, antibiotic treatment, and his open sores have been treated. He is receiving fluids, pain management, and supportive care.”
Monday, June 23rd, the rescue shared its first positive update, “Today, for the first time since his rescue, Juno can lift his head and is eating on his own. This small step is a huge victory, and we couldn’t be more proud…He is tiny, but he is mighty.”
How You Can Help Save Juno’s Life
NYCSCR explained that Juno was deliberately dumped and was left to die alone in horrific conditions. No animal should have to experience that, but we can all help try to save him.
The rescue is asking for donations, “We don’t know if he will survive, but we will give him every chance possible. This is the fight of his life, and we refuse to let him fight it alone.”
To donate: nycscr.org/donate
PayPal: rescue@nycsecondchancerescue.org
Zelle: rescue@nycsecondchancerescue.org
Venmo: @NYC-SCR (charity account)
Whether you donate or simply share his story, you’re helping give him the second chance at life he so deeply deserves.