In a distressing incident in San Jose, Costa Rica, a frail dog named Cala was found in a dire condition, unable to stand and left to lie on rags due to a tight chain restricting her movements.
Employed as a guard dog by a local mechanic, Cala suffered from starvation and lacked essential veterinary care, causing a severe decline in her health.
Struggling with every breath, her plight caught the attention of neighbors who acted swiftly to alert authorities and the animal welfare group Territorio de Zaguates.
Upon hearing about Cala’s condition, Lya Battle, the founder of Territorio de Zaguates, was deeply moved. She shared with The Dodo, “The first photo of her revealed a creature stripped of dignity, ready to surrender—a dog whose spirit was crushed, living through a relentless nightmare.”
Acting immediately, the police and sanctuary workers rescued Cala and took her to a veterinarian for treatment. At the sanctuary, Cala began her journey of both physical and emotional recovery.
The road to recovery was not easy for Cala, who had to undergo painful treatments, particularly for the deep wound caused by the chain around her neck.
Yet, she gradually learned that comfort and affection could follow the pain. Initially cautious of other dogs, Cala’s trust slowly grew with the supportive environment around her.
“Watching Cala transform from a weak and despondent animal to a lively creature ready to fight for herself was incredible,” Battle noted. “She began to embrace playfulness and amusement into her daily life, showing more of her true self as time passed. From fearing humans, she progressed to seeking their attention.”
However, Cala’s challenges persisted. In June, an unfortunate incident saw intruders poison the sanctuary’s dogs, claiming 16 lives. Miraculously, Cala survived, albeit battling neurological issues for some time afterward.
“When we found Cala, she was still alive,” recalled Battle. “Whether due to her size or having consumed a smaller dose, she endured. Her recovery, though slow, is a testament to her resilience.”
Cala’s incredible story exemplifies her unyielding spirit despite enduring neglect, abuse, and hardship. Just as she began embracing life, a tragedy struck, reminding everyone of the cruelty some humans can inflict. Yet, Cala’s survival amidst such adversities symbolizes strength and determination.
Now living with a foster family, Cala is showered with love and attention, allowing her to slowly shed her traumatic past. Battle mentioned, “Though Cala has undergone severe neglect and confinement, she’s now embracing a mischievous phase common in puppies, which is quite welcome. She is content, strong, stubborn at times, but adored by her foster family.”
For Lya Battle, Cala’s story is particularly inspiring. It illustrates the triumph of love over adversity—a reminder that perseverance can lead to victory. “This rescue is a testament to how love can conquer challenges and motivates us to continue our mission,” she affirmed.
