In April, a dog was found in Mexico in a very serious condition. The nature of the puppy’s injuries suggests that someone lit a firecracker in the animal’s mouth.

The dog was missing most of its face. The good Samaritan who found the animal immediately took it to the vet. It was hard to even think about how much the poor dog suffered. It was very hard to believe that the 3-month-old puppy would survive.

But the poor animal was lucky that Tracy Listra from Southern California learned about his plight . Her “Save Huey Fund” takes on the most seemingly hopeless cases. Tracy contacted veterinarians to find out if there was even the slightest chance to save the dog or if he would have to be put down. There was a chance, but it was so slim that it was hard to believe in success. Such cases usually ended fatally.

The dog received a prosthetic jaw so he could eat and drink. After necrotic tissue was removed from his nasal cavity, the rest of his muzzle was stitched together. After several days of treatment, the dog was flown to California, where he was given the name: “Braveheart.”

In August, he underwent what Tracy hopes will be his final surgery. All bills for the puppy’s treatment in both Mexico and California were covered by the Huey Rescue Foundation.

Braveheart is just a little puppy who has already experienced so much pain and suffering. He has gone through a long and difficult road to recovery. But despite the suffering that has befallen him, the dog has retained his cheerfulness, the ability to trust in people and love in his little brave heart.