It was a heart-wrenching sight as a severely malnourished dog collapsed from exhaustion and could no longer stand. She tried to rest on a heap of rags, but her head hung limply due to the small chain tightly wrapped around her neck. This poor creature, named Cala, was employed as a guard dog by a mechanic based in San Jose, Costa Rica. Unfortunately, the person responsible for her care failed to provide adequate nutrition and never sought medical attention when she fell sick.

As time passed, Cala’s condition continued to deteriorate, and she struggled to keep her head up while breathing. But concerned neighbors intervened just in time and alerted the local authorities. They also got in touch with the Territorio de Zaguates humane crew, who are known for their commitment to the welfare of countless dogs.

As the founder of Territorio de Zaguates, Lya Ьаttɩe was deeply saddened and angered when she first saw Cala’s condition. The initial image she saw portrayed a pitiable dog who had lost all sense of self-respect and was ready to give up on life. The very thought of living in a never-ending nightmare had broken Cala’s spirit, and she was waiting for the end to arrive. Cala was rescued from her tormentor’s property by the police and sanctuary staff after receiving a distress call. A veterinarian treated her severe malnourishment and the wounds caused by the tight chain. Cala found solace at Territorio de Zaguates, where she commenced a journey of physical and mental healing.

Cala went through extensive procedures to heal her wounds, particularly the deep cut caused by years of being chained with a cruel metal chain around her neck. The pain was unbearable, but Cala eventually realized that love and rewards awaited her beyond the agony. She persevered through every step of her rehabilitation. At first, she was wary of the other dogs in the facility, leading Battie to believe that she had never been around other canines or was taught to see them as enemies. However, over time, Cala learned to trust both her furry peers and the kind-hearted people who cared for her.

According to Battie, Cala transformed from a frail and disheartened animal to a stronger one who learned to defend herself. As time passed, she also developed a playful and silly side that added to her personality. We observed her become more comfortable around humans, going from being afraid of them to seeking their attention. Unfortunately, Cala’s challenges were not over yet. In June, some people broke into the sanctuary and left poisoned sausages, resulting in the death of 16 dogs. Cala, who had consumed one of the sausages accidentally, miraculously survived.

According to Battie, when they discovered Cala, she was still alive. It is possible that her size helped her withstand the poison, or maybe she only consumed a small amount. Despite her condition, Cala was rescued and eventually recovered after battling neurological issues for a long time. Battie believes that coincidences do not exist in life. Cala’s ability to survive years of neglect, mistreatment, starvation, and illness is proof of her unyielding spirit. Just as she realized that life was valuable, humans reappeared, eager to help. While the sanctuary mourned the loss of other beloved dogs, Cala’s exceptional survival demonstrated her resilience. She is simply too tough!

Cala is currently under the care of a foster family and is enjoying the abundance of love and attention she receives. Despite a traumatic past filled with abuse and imprisonment, Cala is slowly shedding her old ways and embracing her mischievous nature, which her foster mother gladly welcomes. According to Cala’s foster mother, she seems to be going through a playful stage, similar to puppies, and everyone is happy to see her thriving. Cala is now a happy, strong-willed, and sometimes stubborn dog who is spoiled by her foster family.

Having dedicated her life to rescuing dogs, Battie has encountered numerous heartwarming stories along the way. However, Cala’s story stands out as a particularly inspiring one. It portrays an epic battle between good and evil, hatred and love, with love ultimately emerging victorious.

According to Battie, Cala’s rescue is a powerful reminder to never give up and to keep fighting the good fight. It strengthens her resolve to continue her mission of helping dogs in need.