It’s really shocking how mean some people can be to dogs. These poor animals often go through pointless pain and suffering.
This was true for one dog who suffered a terrible attack that left his face badly burned. But luckily, he has been making a wonderful recovery, thanks to some caring vets.
In April 2021, the Tunica Humane Society shared the story of a dog named Buddy, who was called a “happy and carefree dog” that was “never a threat to anyone.” He was set on fire and found with his face completely burned and charred black, with an extension cord around his neck.
According to WTVA, a kid later admitted to setting Buddy on fire, but since he is under 12, he can’t be taken to court.
Buddy was taken care of by the Tunica Humane Society in Mississippi and got medical help from the Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. While in their care, Buddy started a slow but hopeful journey to get better.
“Buddy’s vital signs are good, but like any burn patient, this is just the beginning of a long climb ahead,” said Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, an associate professor and veterinary surgeon, to WTVA.
“We are making sure he is comfortable, changing his bandages, and taking care of any issues that come up.”
Fortunately, even after the surprising injury, Buddy seems to still have his eyesight. The Tunica Humane Society mentioned that the doctors think his eyes are okay. They will do surgery to fix the damage to his eyelids, and he will probably have some vision once he recovers.
Buddy still had to wear bandages all around his upper body. But through everything, he has stayed positive.
“He keeps making progress every day,” the Humane Society posted on Facebook. “He has never let his doctors down. Everyone involved is really happy with how well his skin grafts are doing. Healing from burn wounds takes a long time, but Buddy is doing great in his recovery.”
“During his bandage change today, we saw amazing improvement in how his face looks. While Buddy is still healing, he is also learning some basic commands.”]}
“This kind and loving dog didn’t deserve what happened to him,” they posted on Facebook. “He was never a danger to anyone. It was really mean and planned out.”
“Let’s hope for Buddy that his terrible injuries weren’t for nothing. That somehow, something good will come from this sad event. That things will change and Justice will be done in situations like Buddy’s.”
After Buddy’s story became popular a few years back, he has been making progress and received excellent treatment from the veterinarians at Mississippi State.
He had skin grafts to help heal his burns and needed fewer bandages over time. Gradually, he started to become his old self again.
“Now that his ears are free from the bandages, he seems a lot happier and more playful. I bet he is feeling a lot of joy as he slowly returns to a normal life,” reported the Tunica Humane Society last month.
On August 7, the rescue team shared a big update about Buddy’s recovery.
For the first time, Buddy’s bandages, which had completely covered his eyes since the attack, were taken off without him needing a lot of sedation — meaning that for the first time in over three months, Buddy could actually see.
“His eyes were really open and he was very aware,” the Humane Society said. “In response to your countless prayers, YES, Buddy can still see.”
“Buddy’s last clear memory of seeing was during the terrible moments just before a child set his face on fire. In an instant, this dog’s entire life changed.”
Finally being able to see was a big step towards getting back to normal for this poor dog, and his caregivers say that his personality is starting to come back.
“Buddy’s whole personality has changed since he saw the light of day,” Sandy Williams, the director of the Tunica Humane Society, told WREG.
“He is happy and playful, walking around the hospital with a huge ball in his mouth. He really loves balls. He carries them everywhere so everyone can notice him.”
A video shared by the rescue shows Buddy playing fetch:
Even though it’s a big step forward, Buddy still has a long way to go. He isn’t completely healed yet, and his eyelids will need some care to keep his eyes safe, as the Humane Society mentioned on Facebook.
Because his injuries were so serious, he will have some special needs for the rest of his life.
“His skin will be sensitive, he might need eye drops, and he’ll have to use sunscreen when he’s outside,” Williams told WREG. “He won’t be a dog that can stay in the sun for hours.”
Many of you have been asking about Buddy lately. Here’s a really happy update from his forever mom, Dr….Posted by Tunica Humane Society on Sunday, April 30, 2023.
We’re super happy to see that Buddy can see again and is starting to look more like his old self! He has been making an amazing recovery thanks to all the wonderful people who have been helping to save him.