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Uma’s journey from heartbreak to healing.

Uma came to us under tragic circumstances. At just two years old, she had already experienced more suffering than most dogs ever will. After a brutal attack on her by two other male dogs in her home, she was surrendered to our care, absolutely covered in deep lacerations and bite wounds on her legs, stomach and back.

Laying still on her side as our vets examined her, Uma could barely move or respond, other than a slight wag of her tail, an early signal of her warm and friendly nature despite all she had endured.

Uma’s injuries were so severe that she required immediate surgery that would cost nearly $10,000.

Dr Andrew performed an exploratory laparotomy, this is a skilled surgical procedure to assess the state of the internal organs. Thankfully, he was able to determine that Uma’s internal organs were not impacted.

Dr Andrew then carefully assessed the external wounds – removing any damaged tissue, then cleaning and stitching up the remaining wounds.  The procedure lasted over two and a half hours.

Still incredibly fragile post-op, for three days, Uma fought for her life in our Intensive Care Unit, displaying a quiet strength and a spirit that refused to give up. Our dedicated vets and nurses worked around the clock to monitor and support young Uma, deeply bonding with her sweet nature and admiring her resilience despite her suffering.

When Uma emerged at the other side of her critical care, well enough to be welcomed into our warm and well-equipped Adoption Centre, she quickly became a favourite among our shelter staff.

Patiently, Uma waited 213 days at our shelter for a new family who would return the endless love she had to give. Then, one day, Teshayla and Bryn entered our doors, and everything changed.

Teshayla and Bryn were navigating their own storm of grief and loss. They had recently lost their beloved dog, Indie, in a tragic accident, and soon after, Bryn suffered a life-altering injury, breaking his neck in a diving accident.

Pained by these experiences, a space remained unfilled in their lives since the loss of Indie. Teshayla’s parents encouraged them to visit our shelter in the hope of finding a new, loving companion to help fill the void.

When they met Uma, there was an instant connection.

“We immediately knew that Uma was meant to be with us” – Teshayla.

Still recovering and adjusting to life after his accident, Bryn found solace in Uma’s presence. It was like she knew his hurt, and her calm demeanour provided the comfort he desperately needed.

Walking Uma also gave Bryn a reason to move, to get outside, and slowly but surely, it became a part of his recovery journey.

Having survived the trauma of a brutal attack, being surrendered, major surgery and a long recovery period, her new family provided Uma a haven of support and the chance to express her endless love and affection.

Bryn and Teshayla also offered the gentle patience Uma required to adapt to her new life.

When Uma was adopted by Teshayla and Bryn, it wasn’t just her life that changed. In a time of grief and recovery, they found hope and healing in each other.

Your donation helps us provide urgent surgeries, critical aftercare, and a second chance for animals like Uma. Every dollar you give goes directly to making sure pets like Uma, and their people, experience the joy only a special forever bond can bring.

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Donate today to give more animals like Uma a second chance at life.