When rescuers in San Antonio, Texas, first laid eyes on a tiny Labrador puppy named Alma, they could hardly believe the cruelty she had endured. Just three months old, Alma bore deep scars across her face, evidence of an accident—or neglect—that left her permanently disfigured. Her jaw was slightly misaligned, her nose twisted, and her once bright puppyhood stolen by pain.
Yet, despite everything, Alma wagged her tail.
Neighbors reported that Alma had been abandoned near a construction site, hiding under broken wood and metal scraps. Her cries were faint, almost drowned out by the noise of the busy street. When volunteers from Second Chance Rescue Network finally reached her, Alma lifted her head, as if begging to be noticed. They gently wrapped her in a blanket and rushed her to an emergency vet clinic.
Fighting for Her Life
The veterinary team worked tirelessly to treat Alma’s infected wounds and stabilize her fragile body. She had gone days without food, and her tiny ribs were visible beneath her thin skin. What shocked the staff most wasn’t just her injuries—it was her spirit.
“She kept trying to lick our hands, even as we cleaned her wounds,” said Dr. Rebecca Hayes, the veterinarian overseeing her care. “Alma wanted love more than anything else.”
X-rays revealed that Alma would need multiple surgeries to correct her jaw so she could eat properly. The procedures would be costly, and her recovery long. But the rescue team refused to give up.
A Puppy Who Refuses to Give Up
In the days that followed, Alma began to show signs of resilience. She learned to eat soft food, despite the pain, and slowly gained weight. Volunteers often found her curled up with a stuffed toy, pressing her scarred little face against it as if it were her comfort.
“She’s a miracle,” said volunteer coordinator Elena Martinez. “Most animals in her condition shut down emotionally. Alma refuses to stop loving.”
Waiting for a Family
Now, Alma is stable and waiting for the next chapter in her journey: a forever home. While her appearance may be different from other puppies, rescuers believe she is even more beautiful because of her courage.
But the question remains—will someone be brave enough to open their heart to a disfigured puppy?
“Alma doesn’t see herself as broken,” Dr. Hayes explained. “She only knows how to give unconditional love. Whoever adopts her won’t just be saving her—they’ll be gaining the most loyal companion imaginable.”
A Call for Compassion
Rescue workers hope Alma’s story will inspire people to look beyond scars and see the soul within. Every scar she carries tells a story of survival. And every wag of her tail proves that love can heal wounds deeper than flesh.
For now, Alma continues to recover in foster care, surrounded by people who refuse to let her past define her future. She still dreams of the day someone whispers, “Welcome home.”
