Going about her day in her cozy home, a devoted animal lover named Sabrina Garcia spotted an unexpected visitor—a little furry intruder. An adorable mouse had found its way inside, making itself at home among Garcia’s belongings. Since she wasn’t looking for a pet, Garcia gently caught the little guy and headed outside to set him free. As she searched for a safe spot, she noticed a sewer drain that seemed like the perfect shelter. But when she approached, she saw someone else already hiding there.
Rescue Mission
Photo Credit: suzette.hall.
A pair of big, glowing eyes stared back at Garcia, filled with anxiety and sorrow. She quickly realized those eyes belonged to a pup who had found refuge in the sewer, hidden away from the world above. Without hesitation, Garcia contacted Suzette Hall, founder of a rescue organization in Irvine, California.
“They couldn’t believe their eyes when they looked down and saw him. He couldn’t even cry for help because nobody would have heard him,” Hall shared on Facebook.
Naming the pup Donatello, Hall and her team of volunteers immediately set out to discover how he ended up in the sewer. After searching, they found a small opening, too tiny for Donatello to crawl in by himself. It became clear that this was no accident. “There was no way he got down there by himself. Someone had to put him there!” Hall wrote.
This shocking discovery fueled the rescuers’ determination. They soon found a manhole cover concealing a ladder—exactly what they needed to reach Donatello. Two rescuers descended into the sewer while Hall and others anxiously awaited their return. Minutes later, the rescuers emerged, cradling Donatello in their arms.
Road to Recovery
Photo Credit: suzette.hall.
The team quickly loaded Donatello into their van and rushed him to the Camino Pet Hospital. Having endured so much, Donatello fell asleep in the arms of his rescuers, finally feeling safe. The hospital staff conducted a thorough medical exam, discovering that he had not only eaten trash to survive but also had a small towel lodged in his intestines.
“He was so hungry, he ate whatever he could. He would have died down there,” Hall shared on Facebook.
Photo Credit: suzette.hall.
Donatello’s health was in poor condition. Thankfully, a dedicated team of animal lovers and medical professionals ensured he received all the help he needed, including emergency surgery, leading to a full recovery in no time!
This sweet boy still has a journey ahead to fully come out of his shell. However, with dedication, love, and plenty of warm cuddles, his rescuers are confident he’ll be back on his paws in no time. With one more surgery to go, Donatello is already looking forward to a happy life in a loving home. Until then, his temporary family is making sure every bit of anxiety leaves his body, transforming him into the confident pup he once was.
“He is worth it. It’s time he learns what love is,” Hall expressed on Facebook.
