Shelter Husky Who Almost Lost Life to Horrific Wound Finds Forever Home

A shelter dog is set to celebrate Christmas in a loving home after a rough start to the year that almost cost his life.

The odds were against Balto, the husky, when he arrived at Austin Pets Alive! in January with a necrotic wound above his left eye.

Luis Sanchez, on behalf of Austin Pets Alive!, told Newsweek: "We don't know what happened to him, but a good Samaritan brought him to us, and if he wasn't saved by our vets, then he either would have died from his injuries or would have been euthanized due to the severity of the injury."

Upon arrival at the Texas-based shelter on January 31, Balto collapsed and appeared short of breath.

From left: Two heartbreaking images show Balto's injury above his left eye. "While sitting on the X-ray table in the clinic, Balto began to turn blue," a shelter spokesman told Newsweek. From left: Two heartbreaking images show Balto's injury above his left eye. "While sitting on the X-ray table in the clinic, Balto began to turn blue," a shelter spokesman told Newsweek. Austin Pets Alive!

"While sitting on the X-ray table in the clinic, Balto began to turn blue," said Sanchez, adding that clinic staff cut away the bandages on his neck, after which he regained color and his noisy breathing decreased.

Balto went on to have treatment that included wound cleaning and flushing, regular bandage changes, and prescribed medications. At one point, the staff members were unsure about the prognosis for his eye. There was a chance of potential blindness or even removal.

Thankfully, Balto made a full recovery; however, he was still overlooked for eight months by potential adopters.

Sanchez told Newsweek: "He had pretty intense separation anxiety, which pushed most people away, especially because he needed an indestructible crate and someone who was home a lot."

From left: Balto stands outside with his new family in September; and looks at camera. The dog remains positive despite what he has been through. From left: Balto stands outside with his new family in September; and looks at camera. The dog remains positive despite what he has been through. Austin Pets Alive!

In September, he was adopted by a family, who worked from home and had previously owned a husky, making them a good fit.

"It was such a huge win for Balto to find a good and patient family," said Sanchez. "He is a fun, cuddly, and kind dog who is amazing with people and kids. He was so gentle with their daughter."

Sanchez added that free training has been provided for the family to help Balto overcome separation anxiety and he has been improving daily.

"This dog deserves the world, and he got it" said Sanchez. "He deserved to live and be loved; it has been the most rewarding journey and a testament to our mission as an animal welfare organization."

On December 4, a video showcasing Balto's story was shared on Instagram (@austinpetsalive) and received a sea of support.

"I'm crying, he's such an amazing dog and deserves the world!!!!" posted one user, and another wrote: "Balto is such a goofball! I am so happy he is in a home."

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