Buddy: A Story of Resilience and Care After a Tragic Incident
It’s truly heartbreaking to witness the cruelty some people show towards dogs. These loving animals sometimes face unimaginable pain and suffering.
This was sadly the case for a dog named Buddy, who endured a horrific ordeal when his face was set on fire. Despite the terrible incident, Buddy has been showing remarkable progress in his recovery, all thanks to the dedicated care from compassionate veterinarians.
In April 2021, the Tunica Humane Society came across Buddy, who was described as a joyous and carefree dog that never posed a threat to anyone. Tragically, he was found with his face severely burned and an extension cord strangling his neck.
“Today’s update on Buddy…
From this moment forward, I am going to concentrate on sharing Buddy’s journey back to life. That is where we will get our victory.
This sweet, friendly dog didn’t deserve what happened to him. He wasn’t a threat to anyone. It was extremely cruel and calculated. None of us are happy with the legal outcome of this case. But we must move forward from today with hope in our hearts.
Hope for Buddy that his horrific injuries weren’t in vain. That somehow, some good will come from this tragedy. That change will come and Justice will be served in cases like Buddy’s.
On a positive note, Buddy is holding strong. He is soaking up all the love being shown him at Mississippi State. He is a stellar patient and doing better than ever expected.
Some really good news about his eyes. The Specialist that examined Buddy today thinks his eyes are still intact. He may have suffered damage to the eye lids and tear ducts and the lower lids but all of that can be corrected surgically. The most important thing is that it appears he will have some vision. To God be the Glory for our answered prayers.
His team of doctors are working with a company named Kerecis. They will be providing the fish skin for Buddy’s skin grafts. The skin will come from North Atlantic Cod Fish. This is the latest technology and extremely successful in humans and animals with very severe burns.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude to the thousands of people that have reached out to the Tunica Humane Society over the last few days. Sending their love and prayers to Buddy. Sending their money to help heal him. Sending their support to all of us that are fighting so hard to save this sweet dog.
That will be our Glory here… A bright and happy future for Buddy.”
According to WTVA, a child later admitted to committing this act against Buddy. However, due to being under the age of 12, the child could not be legally prosecuted.
Buddy was taken under the care of Tunica Humane Society in Mississippi. There, he received medical treatments from the Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, setting him on a hopeful path toward recovery.
“Buddy’s vital signs are stable, yet, as with any burn victim, it’s the start of a challenging recovery journey,” mentioned Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, associate professor and veterinary surgeon, as reported by WTVA. “We are ensuring his comfort, changing his bandages, and addressing issues as they emerge.”
“Latest Update on Buddy❤
It has been such a Blessing working with the Staff at Mississippi State the last few weeks. Dr. Swanson has called me personally every single day since Buddy entered the hospital there. With every conversation she gives me great Hope for Buddy’s full recovery from his horrific injuries.
He continues to move forward daily. Never once disappointing his doctors. Everyone concerned has been so pleased with the results of his skin grafts. Burn wounds are a very slow process but Buddy is excelling in his healing. During his bandage change today, he showed remarkable improvement in the appearance of his face.
While Buddy continues to heal, he is learning some basic commands. Callie is one of the vet students that spends time with him and she has taught Buddy to sit for his bowl of food.
Once again, I want to say thank you for all your prayers and donations for Buddy. Because of you, the Tunica Humane Society is able to provide this sweet gentle lab with everything he needs to recover from this tragic event in his life. His life will go on and we are heading straight for a Happy Ending❤”
Thankfully, Buddy didn’t lose his sight despite the trauma. The Tunica Humane Society noted that doctors were optimistic his eyes remained unharmed. However, his eyelids would need surgical correction, ensuring he retains some vision once healed.
Buddy initially had to be enveloped in bandages, covering most of his upper body. Yet, throughout his recovery, his spirit remained unbroken. “He perseveres each day,” the Humane Society shared. “Buddy never fails to impress his doctors, showcasing the success of his skin grafts. Although burns require slow healing, Buddy is thriving.”
“During his recent bandage change, his face showed tremendous improvement. As Buddy continues to heal, he is also learning basic commands.”
His caretakers expressed heartfelt sentiments online, “This adorable, amicable dog did not deserve such cruelty. He posed no threat to anyone, making the act all the more cruel and deliberate.”
“Let’s hope Buddy’s adversity wasn’t in vain. That somehow, light and justice will emerge from such tragedies when cases like Buddy’s occur.”
Since Buddy’s story captured hearts worldwide, he has progressively improved under the care of veterinarians at Mississippi State. He underwent necessary skin grafts for healing and gradually shed his bandages, inching closer to his former self.
“Without the restrictive bandages, Buddy is notably more content and lively. His joy becomes apparent as he slowly adjusts back to his usual life,” reported the Tunica Humane Society recently.
August 7 marked a pivotal moment in Buddy’s recovery journey. For the first time since the attack, his bandages were removed without heavy sedation, allowing Buddy to see. This was a massive step towards normalcy for Buddy and ignited hope in everybody.
“His eyes were open, and he was keenly aware,” the Humane Society noted, echoing the thousands of prayers sent for Buddy. With joy, they confirmed, “Yes, Buddy can still see.”
“Buddy’s last vivid memory before the ordeal was during the terrifying moments prior to being set ablaze. That instant changed everything.”
Regaining his vision was a monumental stride back towards the familiar world for Buddy. His caretakers have noticed his personality is brighter and more vibrant. “Buddy’s demeanor transformed since witnessing daylight,” Sandy Williams, Tunica Humane Society director, shared with WREG. “He’s engaging, energetic, and now parades the hospital with a playful facade, relishing in his favorite ball.”
Despite this significant advance, Buddy hasn’t yet completed his journey to full recovery. His eyes require ongoing care to mitigate future issues, mentioned the Humane Society.
Due to the nature of his injuries, Buddy will need special attention throughout his life. His skin is sensitive, his eyes may need regular drops, and he’ll require sunblock while outdoors.
“Buddy’s skin sensitivity, eye care needs, and sun exposure precaution mean he’s not suited to prolonged outdoor stays,” Williams elaborated to WREG.
Numerous well-wishers have inquired about Buddy’s condition, and here’s an uplifting update from his new forever home.
We are delighted to witness Buddy reclaiming his sight and revitalizing his spirit. It’s awe-inspiring to see his miraculous healing, all thanks to the dedication and love from those committed to his well-being.