In a lonely pumpkin patch in Otoe County, Nebraska, a tiny black puppy named Zephyr was in desperate need of help. Malnourished and weak, Zephyr could barely move, her ribs visible beneath her frail frame.
Fortunately, a compassionate passerby spotted her struggling among the pumpkins and rushed her to a nearby veterinary clinic. But Zephyr still needed a safe, long-term place to heal. That’s when city officials reached out to Capital Humane Society for assistance.
“We received an urgent plea to rescue this 9-month-old puppy who was found starving and emaciated,” the organization shared on Facebook.
Moved by her plight, the rescue team sprang into action. “I shared it with our staff members,” Capital Humane Society executive director Matt Madcharo told The Dodo. “Everyone immediately felt we needed to help her.”
Zephyr was transferred to Kansas State Veterinary Hospital, where she has been making remarkable progress. She’s gaining weight, learning to walk again, and starting to regain her independence.
Despite everything she’s been through, Zephyr’s sweet personality shines through.
“She always greets everyone who visits her with tail wags,” Madcharo said. “She loves having her head petted and is a very, very sweet girl.”
Thanks to the generous support of the community, veterinarians have been able to provide the intensive care Zephyr needed. She can now walk 10 to 15 steps on her own and is steadily regaining her strength.
Once Zephyr no longer needs a feeding tube, she’ll be ready to move into a foster home. Capital Humane Society is optimistic that the resilient pup will soon find the loving family she deserves.
“As long as there are no other complications, she should make a full recovery and find a forever home when she’s ready,” Madcharo said.
To help support animals like Zephyr, you can donate to Capital Humane Society.
