We found a dog entangled in fishing line, but were able to rescue and nurse her back to good health.
“Saved from the Brink: How Lucy the Dog Escaped Death and Learned to Trust Again”
It’s nothing short of a miracle that Lucy is alive today.
Just three months ago, Lucy was found clinging to life in a horrifying state at a construction site in Bali—a place where many stray dogs roamed freely, only to mysteriously “disappear” one by one. When her rescuer spotted her, Lucy looked like a ghost of a dog, trembling and broken. But it was what was wrapped around her snout that told the darkest part of her story.
A fishing wire had been tightly wound around her nose, cutting deep into her skin and causing unbearable pain. This cruel tool is commonly used by those involved in the dog meat trade—to silence their victims and prepare them for slaughter. Lucy had narrowly escaped that grim fate. Her rescuer acted quickly, scooping her up and rushing her to the nearest vet for emergency care.
A Fragile Body, A Fighting Spirit
At the clinic, the vet team immediately removed the fishing wire from Lucy’s face. She was finally safe—but she was far from stable. Shortly after her arrival, she was diagnosed with parvovirus, a deadly and highly contagious disease. Her immune system was already shattered, and her body was nothing more than skin and bones. The vets gave her a 50/50 chance of survival.
The next two weeks were a rollercoaster. Lucy was weak, but she held on. Volunteers syringe-fed her bone broth every few hours to give her strength. She had no appetite, no spark in her eyes, and no trust in humans. Still, she fought. And just when she began to improve, fate dealt her another devastating blow.
She tested positive for distemper—another potentially fatal disease that further attacked her already frail body.
Everyone feared the worst.
Refusing to Give Up
Despite the odds stacked against her, Lucy showed an unbreakable will to live. Thanks to a team of dedicated vets, caregivers, and foster volunteers, she slowly began to recover physically. But emotionally, Lucy was shut down.
From the moment she arrived, she avoided eye contact. She never barked or whimpered. She barely moved from the corner of her kennel, curled tightly as if trying to disappear. She came out only to relieve herself and would return immediately to her safe, dark space.
She had clearly suffered immense trauma. Whatever had happened before her rescue had shattered her trust in people.
But love has a way of breaking down walls.
A New Chapter in a Safe Place
Lucy was eventually placed in the care of Prue, the founder of Mission Paws’ible, a rescue and rehabilitation initiative in Bali. Under Prue’s gentle guidance, Lucy began the next phase of her journey—not just to heal her body, but to heal her soul.
Over the course of several months, Lucy slowly began to show signs of transformation. She started exploring her surroundings, joining in on zoomies with the other dogs, and even sunbathing in the garden. One day, she climbed up onto the couch and curled up next to a friend—something she had never dared to do before.
Though she still carries a trace of caution in her eyes, Lucy has learned to trust again. She now seeks affection, enjoys companionship, and finds peace in the presence of both humans and animals.
The Power of Love and a Safe Space
Lucy’s journey is far from over—she’s still searching for her forever home—but her story is proof that love, patience, and proper care can change everything.
To support dogs like Lucy, Mission Paws’ible is currently building The Healing Centre, a sanctuary for abused and neglected animals to rest and recover in peace. This future haven will offer:
- Natural, raw, nourishing meals
- Therapeutic oil massages for dogs with skin conditions
- Animal therapy music to soothe anxious souls
- One-on-one bonding with humans to rebuild trust
- Lots of sunshine, soft beds, and gentle hands
Lucy Is Living Proof That Healing Is Possible
From a nearly lifeless pup with a fishing wire around her snout to a gentle soul rediscovering joy, Lucy’s transformation is extraordinary. Her story is a call to action for all of us—to be the voice for the voiceless, to fight against animal cruelty, and to support organizations that make second chances possible.
Lucy is more than a survivor. She is a symbol of resilience, hope, and the power of unconditional love.
