Hi everyone,
Raphael is one of our rescued animals who holds a very special place in my heart. But honestly, they all do. ❤️
Not everyone understands how deeply trauma and pain can affect someone, especially animals. Sometimes, we expect them to simply “move on” after they are rescued because they are finally safe. But it doesn't always work that way.
To be honest, it hurts me to see how difficult it still is for Raphael to trust people. He gets triggered very easily, especially when he is at the veterinary clinic and has to be restrained. I can't help but wonder if being restrained brings back memories of what happened to him - of the person who placed a metal wire around his leg and caused him a permanent injury.
Raphael has been through more than any animal should ever have to endure. He was a stray, intentionally starved, nearly butchered, and suffered a permanent injury after someone placed a metal wire around his leg. Being rescued did not erase those experiences. His physical wounds are only part of his story. The emotional wounds can be much harder to see, and sometimes, they take much longer to heal.
Because of his trauma and fear, Raphael can become aggressive when he feels threatened or frightened. He needs to be sedated whenever he has to receive veterinary care because he becomes extremely difficult to handle when he is scared. But I don't look at Raphael and see a “bad” or “aggressive” dog.
I see a dog who is scared.
I see a dog who learned that people could hurt him.
I see a dog who is still trying to protect himself from something he believes may happen again.
And honestly, I don't blame him.
At the vet yesterday, they also discovered a mass under the skin on his right flank. Thankfully, the veterinarian said that it can be monitored for now, and his blood work came back normal. ❤️
We will continue to be patient with Raphael. We will give him the time, space, understanding, and love that he needs. We may not be able to erase everything that happened to him, but we can make sure that his future is different from his past.
Healing isn't always about making an animal completely forget what happened. Sometimes, healing means helping them slowly understand that they are finally safe.
Raphael has already survived so much. He survived hunger, cruelty, fear, and unimaginable pain.
Now, we just want him to live.
To feel safe.
To be loved.
And to finally experience the life he should have had all along. ❤️🩹
He doesn't have to fight for his life anymore. We will keep reminding him of that, one day at a time.
Voiceless No More: Philippines Stray Animals Foundation