Get ready to grab some tissues because this heartwarming story is going to make you shed some tears. It’s the story of a young woman in Argentina who found a starving dog left to die on the streets and was determined to save him.
Meet Hercules, the star of our story. When Pia found him in December 2017, he was in dire straits. Pia was visiting friends in Buenos Aires when she saw the skinny, terrified dog running around their neighborhood. Despite her friends being unable to catch him, Pia refused to give up on the animal in need.
Pia brought Hercules to a vet, who told her that they needed to see if he could make it through the weekend. His condition was so poor that they weren’t sure he would survive. But Pia dropped everything to help her newfound dog.
The first few days were critical, and during that time, the skinny boy lost even more weight. Because Hercules was so ill, he was unable to eat in those early days. Pia hand-fed him water from a bowl every three hours to keep him hydrated.
But after three days of intensive care, a Christmas miracle occurred. On December 26th, the pup was discharged, and Pia brought him to foster care. “You could see in his eyes that he wanted to live,” Pia recalled. Despite her worries that he may die because of his poor condition, Hercules continued to fight, which is why she named him Hercules.
Pia filmed much of their journey, and she recalled lifting his body to help him re-learn to walk. She cried and fought alongside him. “We did it together,” she said.
And in January, after much patience, Hercules began to walk again. Pia admitted she cried like a baby when her darling friend took those first few steps. They were what led to the rest of his recovery. Before Pia knew it, those initial baby steps led to jogging, running, jumping, and playing. Eventually, she was able to take him on walks through the city.
By February, it was like Pia had a new dog. Hercules’ hair was quickly growing back. He showed signs of life and energy. He loved to be in her arms and head close. The bond between the two was so unbreakable that after fostering him back to good health, Pia knew she couldn’t give him up. Hercules found his forever home with Pia.
“As he began to change, his eyes started to shine,” Pia said. See the incredible recovery for yourself. Hercules is no longer a starving dog left on his own. He is thriving. Pia calls this phenomenal dog her miracle and a Christmas present she’ll never forget.
Don’t forget your tissues when you watch Pia and Hercules’ story. They’re still the best of buds today. You can follow their friendship on Instagram.
