Ilyushka’s body was covered in scars. The animal wasn’t just abused — people deliberately inflicted serious injuries on him, after which he could no longer move on all four paws. The toes and joints on the dog’s front legs were dislocated.
It’s clear that the dog was deliberately tortured, using makeshift tools.
Ilyusha couldn’t put weight on his front paws, so he learned to walk on his hind legs. Thanks to his small size and weight, he managed it very well.
Mastering such a skill is not easy for dogs, but Ilyusha really wanted to live and endured the pain for that. What this little dog accomplished is comparable to a person learning to use their hands instead of their feet…
The attitude toward homeless animals in Abkhazia is horrifying. I cannot understand the reasons behind such cruelty. A small, harmless dog could not have harmed a person, yet the person decided to cause pain to the animal. How can someone sleep peacefully after doing something like that? How can they still consider themselves human?
The wounds healed, the fractures fused, but they fused incorrectly. With effort, the little dog could walk like other dogs, on all four paws, albeit slowly. But the thing is, he has already gotten used to moving on two legs and does not want to give up this habit.
Walking on hind legs puts a heavy strain on the animal’s spine. We consulted two specialists, who agreed that it is too late for surgery and it would not improve the situation. Ilyusha does not experience pain; he requires rehabilitation and gradual training to walk using all four paws. Treatment is necessary but should be conservative, to address other health issues.
We need to find a home for the little dog. Unfortunately, so far the people contacting us do not want to take responsibility for the puppy’s health; they only want the dog to live in a house and entertain the family and guests. Many don’t even bother to ask why Ilyusha walks so strangely, and they refuse to adopt him as soon as they hear he needs treatment.
