Blinded and Alone in the Desert, This Stray Dog’s Will to Live Inspired a Rescue Mission
When a woman stumbled upon a stray dog wandering the remote desert of eastern Utah, she was heartbroken by what she saw.
The dog, later named Willy, was blind, emaciated, dehydrated, and covered in fleas.
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His most severe injuries were to his eyes—believed to be caused by porcupine quills left untreated for weeks.
Utah’s Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS), one of the state’s longest-standing rescue groups, was called in to help.
The team was stunned by Willy’s condition. “Wandering, starving, thirsty, in excruciating pain, and blind—and for who knows how long,” they shared in a Facebook post.
It was clear Willy had been suffering deeply and alone.
But despite the agony he’d endured, Willy greeted his rescuers with kindness. “He always wags his tail when we talk to him,” CAWS wrote.
“He’s been so patient and gentle, even as we work to ease his pain.”
Thanks to an outpouring of support from donors, CAWS raised enough to cover Willy’s surgery.
Sadly, the damage to his eyes was irreversible.
Surgeons removed a large number of embedded porcupine quills from his eyes, face, and feet—but were unable to restore his vision.
Still, Willy’s recovery has been remarkable. Now in foster care with Tiffany Henline, an experienced CAWS volunteer, he’s adjusting quickly to his new environment. “He’s navigating his foster home with ease,” the rescue reported.
“He’s a happy boy who is finally feeling so much better.”
Once he fully heals, Willy will be available for adoption. Despite the trauma he’s endured, his spirit remains intact—and he’s ready for a life filled with care, stability, and love.
Those interested in adopting or supporting his recovery can visit the Community Animal Welfare Society’s website.
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