When a 4-month-old puppy named Squish was brought to the Cuyahoga Country Animal Shelter in Ohio, USA, in April 2016, he was extremely ill. He could not open his mouth to eat, but despite his condition, he remained full of life and showered everyone with kisses.

Veterinarians at the shelter examined Squish and discovered that he had contracted a severe infection from a dog bite. This infection had caused a deformity in his face, making it impossible for him to eat properly. Despite their best efforts to treat him with antibiotics, Squish’s health continued to deteriorate.

Due to his worsening condition, the vets made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize Squish to prevent him from further suffering. However, the dedicated caretakers at the shelter were not ready to give up on a puppy that had so much love and affection to give.

A Surprising Discovery

Before proceeding with euthanization, the staff decided to send Squish for X-rays. What they discovered during the scans shocked everyone involved. It turned out that Squish had sustained significant fractures to his skull and upper right jaw. Scar tissue had formed, preventing his jaw from growing properly and causing immense difficulty in opening his mouth.

The only hope for Squish was extensive surgery. Unfortunately, there was no one ready to fund the procedure, and because of his poor health, no one was willing to adopt him.

A New Beginning

As fate would have it, veterinarian Danielle Boyd, who had just finished her internship at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, decided to take Squish home for a night. She wanted him to experience the love and comfort of a home before his unfortunate fate.

To Danielle’s surprise, Squish transformed when he arrived at her home. Despite the pain he had endured, he showed a remarkable ability to trust humans. Squish fell asleep in Danielle’s arms, and when they both woke up, she knew that she couldn’t let him be euthanized.

Moved by Squish’s plight, Eileen Heldmann, the vet who initially examined him, also wanted to save him. The following day, she performed the extensive surgery that Squish desperately needed.

A Happy Ending

The operation was a resounding success, allowing Squish to eat again. Although he lost a tooth, an eye, and part of his jaw, Squish didn’t let that dampen his spirits. His happiness was evident when he picked up a tennis ball for the first time after the surgery.

Danielle, who had recently lost her own dog, felt a strong connection with Squish. It seemed like fate had brought them together when they needed each other the most.

“I’m so happy that Squish’s story ended happily,” Danielle shared. “Every good soul deserves a second chance, and it warms the heart to know that Squish has found a safe and loving home.”

If you are delighted that Squish’s tale turned out well, spread the happiness by sharing this article on Facebook. Let’s celebrate the power of compassion and second chances!