Chico – as he was named by the vets caring for him – was one of two dogs rescued by local authorities in separate incidents within five days and mere metres of each other.
Both were rescued after being spotted on ledges halfway down cliffs in Ferragudo, Lagoa (Algarve).
While the first dog survived the ordeal unscathed despite also having a brick tied round his neck, and has since been re-homed, Chico required urgent veterinary care and has remained at the clinic since.
But just one month later, following a complex spinal operation and an intensive recovery plan, Chico is off medication and defying the odds by walking unaided.
Dr. Claudia Cardoso, of the Villa Pet veterinary clinic in Carvoeiro that has cared for Chico since his arrival on 11 April, told The Portugal News, “He is great; not yet 100 percent, but he lives a normal life and does everything by himself.”
The animal’s back right leg and his tail are still affected by nerve damage but nonetheless Chico is walking.
His condition will require ongoing physiotherapy and he is also having acupuncture.
Chico’s treatment has been covered by an outpouring of donations from kind-hearted well-wishers following what Dr. Cardoso describes as “an incredible movement” of solidarity.
“Many people have helped Chico with donations and psychological support”, she says.
Villa Pet is now looking for a new home for the gentle dog, whose recovery, Dr. Cardoso says, “exceeded expectations.”
However, the selection process for a new owner will be elaborate and thorough, the vet adds, given Chico’s special needs and requirements.
Meanwhile, Commandant Santos Pereira of the Portimão Coastguard, which was investigating the incidents, told The Portugal News that as yet, no more developments have been made in establishing exactly how the dogs came to be on the cliff faces.
Initially it was widely suspected and reported that the animals might have been thrown off the cliffs.
But, Commandant Santos Pereira said, “No one has been identified and we haven’t been able to reach a conclusion.”
Ferragudo Parish Mayor Luís Alberto also told The Portugal News that he had “not heard any more” on the matter, but that any enquiries would be conducted by the relevant authorities under the Secret of Justice.
For more, see Villa Pet’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/VillapetClinicaVeterinaria or call: (+351) 282 358 313.