This was the case for one dog who was the victim of a horrific attack that left her face severely burned. However, thankfully, thanks to compassionate vets, she began to make a miraculous recovery.
In April 2021, the Tunica Humane Society reported that a dog named Buddy, described as a “happy and carefree dog” who had “never threatened anyone,” was set on fire. She was found with her face completely charred and an extension cord wrapped around her neck.
According to WTVA, one child later admitted to setting Buddy on fire, but because he is under 12, he cannot be prosecuted.
Buddy was placed in the care of the Tunica Humane Society in Mississippi and treated at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Under their care, Buddy began a slow but encouraging path to recovery.
“Buddy’s vital signs are good, but like any burn patient, there’s still a long road ahead,” Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, an associate professor and veterinary surgeon, told WTVA.
“We try to make him comfortable, change his bandages and troubleshoot any issues that arise,” she added.
Fortunately, despite the devastating injury, Buddy does not appear to have lost his sight. According to the Tunica Humane Society, doctors believe his eyes are intact. The damage to his eyelids will be surgically repaired, and he will likely regain his sight once he has fully recovered.
Buddy still has a bandage wrapped around his entire upper body, but despite everything, he maintains a cheerful disposition.
“He continues to move forward every day,” the humanitarian organization wrote on Facebook. “He has never let his doctors down. Everyone who is watching him is extremely happy with the results of his skin grafts. The burns are healing slowly, but Buddy is making incredible progress in his recovery.”
“He showed significant improvement in his facial appearance during his bandage change today. As Buddy continues to recover, he is already learning some basic commands,” they added.
“This sweet, friendly dog should never have been subjected to what happened to her,” they wrote on Facebook. “She never threatened anyone. This was extremely cruel and calculated.”
“We hope that Buddy’s horrific injuries were not in vain, that some good can come out of this tragedy. That change can come and justice can be served in cases like this.”
Since Buddy’s story went viral a few years ago, he continues to make progress, receiving the best treatment from veterinarians in Mississippi.
He underwent skin grafts to heal his burns and gradually needed less and less bandages. Slowly but surely, he is returning to his former self.
“Now that his ears are free without the bandages, he looks much happier and more playful. I’m sure he’s having a lot of fun getting back to normal,” Tunica Humane Society said last month.
And on August 7, the rescue announced a “major turning point” in Buddy’s recovery.
For the first time in three months, the bandages that had completely covered his eyes since the attack were removed without heavy sedation, meaning Buddy could actually see for the first time.
“His eyes were actually open and he was very alert,” the aid organization wrote. “In answer to your thousands of prayers: YES, Buddy can still see.”
“Buddy’s last vivid memory of sight was in the horrific moments just before his face was set on fire by a child. In an instant, this dog’s life changed dramatically.”
(Source: Facebook/Tunica Humane Society)
Finally being able to see has been a huge step towards returning to a normal life for this poor dog, and his caretakers are noting that his personality is starting to shine through again.
“Buddy’s whole personality has changed since he saw the light of day,” Sandy Williams, director of the Tunica Humane Society, told WREG.
“He is happy, playful and now walks the corridors of the hospital with a huge ball in his mouth. He loves balls. He carries them around with him for everyone to see.”
In a video posted by the rescue organization, Buddy can be seen playing fetch.
While this is a huge breakthrough, Buddy is not fully recovered. His treatment is not complete and will require additional eyelid surgery to protect his eyes, the Tunica Humane Society said on Facebook.
Due to the severity of his injuries, he will have special needs for the rest of his life.
“His skin will be sensitive, his eyes will probably need eye drops, and he’ll have to wear sunscreen when he’s outside,” Williams told WREG. “He’s not going to be a dog that can sit in the sun for hours.”
We’ve had a lot of people reach out to us about Buddy recently. Here’s a very happy update from his forever loving mom, Dr.…
Message from Tunica Humane Society, Sunday, April 30, 2023:
We are so happy to see that Buddy can see again and is starting to resemble his former self! He has truly made a miraculous recovery, and it is all thanks to all the kind people working to save him.
