FROM BEATEN TO BELOVED
Disfigured By Abuse, Dog Inspires Wave of Humanity
The past two weeks have been a life-changing whirlwind for darling Dwayne, a dog horribly disfigured by abuse. After being kicked, beaten, and burned for much of his young life, Dwayne has gone from feeling the worst of humanity to seeing the best of humanity as waves of animal-lovers rush to his aid. As his harrowing story spread across the country and across the world well-wishes and donations have poured into Helen Woodward Animal Center, to date amounting to more than $35,000 dollars- quickly surpassing the Center’s $20,000 goal. Inspired by this incredible outpouring of love, and determined to get Dwayne on the road to healing as quickly as possible, the Center has scheduled his first major facial reconstructive surgery. Media is invited to wish him well as he embarks on the first major step towards recovery on Monday, May 22 at 11am, his surgery is scheduled for 12pm.
The first stage of his lip reconstruction surgery will be performed by Dr. Patricia Carter at the Center’s Companion Animal Hospital. The surgery will move his lips to fully cover and protect his teeth and help him to eat and drink more normally. Dwayne’s complete reconstruction processes will take multiple surgeries with ample healing time in-between, but a dramatic difference in his appearance and comfort is expected after this first procedure.
“Post-surgery, Dwayne will be closely monitored and he’ll go for several check-ups to make sure he’s healing properly. It’s very important to ensure he has good blood flow throughout his lips and nose before we move onto the next procedure, which should follow in the coming weeks,” said Dr. Patricia Carter.
Those wishing to follow his story can find updates here: https://animalcenter.org/news/dwaynes-journey.