The rescue team at Italy’s Trani Cane League faced one of their heartbreaking cases this past year.

A passerby traveling between Trani and Barletta noticed something strange: a small puppy, weak and alone, lying next to a torn suitcase by the roadside.

The damage to the suitcase suggested the distressing circumstances this young dog had endured.

“How could anyone do something so cruel to a defenseless animal?” someone voiced online, capturing the community’s shock.

It seemed the puppy had been left to fend for himself in that suitcase but had managed to break free, though he was exhausted. The man who found him immediately contacted local rescue services.

When rescuers arrived, they saw how fragile he was; the puppy, later named Kei, was battling severe health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, anemia, hyperparathyroidism, and liver failure.

He also showed necrosis in some tissues, and his digestive system was blocked with stones and foreign materials.

Despite the odds, the rescue team and veterinarians were determined to give Kei a fighting chance. Over the weeks, he grew stronger, slowly eating on his own and even standing up without assistance.

Kei’s greatest challenge, though, was rebuilding his trust in humans. As one rescuer explained, “We’re not sure if his anxiety is due to his age or because of everything he’s been through.”

The rescuers and vets were encouraged by his progress, noting that Kei seemed to understand their care was making him stronger.

“Anyone adopting Kei will need to commit to his physical and emotional rehabilitation,” a rescuer shared. Kei has a long road ahead, but the hope is that he’ll find a loving family who will give him the care he deserves.

The abandonment of Kei has sparked an outcry against animal cruelty, with many calling for justice. The Trani Cane League and others continue to advocate for stricter measures to prevent cases like this and ensure those responsible face consequences.

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