Help Boss the Cane Corso in Russia: From Abandoned to Adored – Emergency Care Funding Needed!

Boss’s life was pure torment. He spent years chained, starving, and suffering in silence. No one would come to his aid, so Boss took his fate into his own hands. Against all odds and using everything he had, Boss managed to crawl to a neighbor's doorstep, desperate to find someone who would help. This was all his body could handle; Boss collapsed, too weak to stand or even raise his head.

The neighbors did their best to aid Boss, but it wasn't enough. Boss's body was shutting down from severe starvation and long-term abuse. Fearing he wouldn't make it another day, they called animal rescue organizations. Big Little Life couldn't ignore the plea for help. They arrived and were shocked to see the deplorable condition Boss was in; he was even missing an eye from suspected abuse.

Fearful he wouldn't survive without immediate intervention, they rushed him to the veterinary clinic. Boss's condition was grave; due to years of starvation, his intestines had folded in on themselves, his pancreas was inflamed, and his mouth was full of sores. He's struggling to keep food down, he hasn't had a bowel movement, and he still is too weak to stand.

Big Little Life has seen terrible cases of animal neglect but this one shook them. It's incredible that despite everything he has been through, Boss still fights for life. Please consider donating to help Boss continue his battle for survival.

Update 10/1/24:
Boss continues to face serious challenges. There’s now a suspicion that he has megaesophagus, meaning the tube that carries food to his stomach is too enlarged and weak, making it hard for him to swallow properly. He may also have reflux, where food or acid comes back up. His breathing becomes labored and he feels nauseous after eating.

Doctors are continuing his therapy and monitoring him closely. Tomorrow, they’ll do an X-ray with contrast to get a clearer picture of what’s going on and adjust his treatment accordingly.

Update 10/4/24:
Boss continues to be hospitalized, and while his condition remains serious, there's been a bit of progress. His appetite is good, and there’s finally been a little stool, though his body remains dangerously fragile. He’s still too weak to stand and can only lie on his side. But now, for the first time in years, Boss has been able to rest. He sleeps peacefully, finally getting the sleep he was never allowed.

However, Boss's misfortune continues. He’s tested positive for heartworm, a dangerous parasite that has infected his heart. It will take months of intensive care and costly medications to give him a chance at survival. His fragile state complicates everything. Right now, the veterinary clinic is focusing on stabilizing him as his digestive system is still in disarray and his body is exhausted.

Update 10/17/24:
It’s been nearly twenty days since Boss’s rescue. Twenty days ago, his life was hanging by a thread—his body ravaged by years of neglect, barely able to lift his head. He was starving, extremely weak, and had no muscle left. He was missing an eye and couldn’t even hold down his food, but this boy is a fighter.

Today, for the first time, Boss managed to stand for a few minutes! Though his legs are still weak and his body fragile, this is an incredible step forward. His appetite remains strong, and he's being fed in small portions of special gastro food throughout the day to help build his strength back up.

Unfortunately, despite everything he’s already suffered through, Boss has a battle with heartworms ahead. He's slowly regaining his strength and every day is a step in the right direction, but Boss still needs your love and support to keep going.

Update 11/3/24:
Boss is standing!!! Every little step is a victory, and every moment of strength he shows feels like a miracle. After so many years of neglect, he’s finally beginning to feel what it’s like to be cared for.

Boss has a long road ahead. A pressure sore developed, and the necrotic tissue had to be removed, but he’s showing us that he’s stronger than the scars life left on him. There’s a hint of that carefree spirit that was taken from him too soon. He’s still not strong, but there’s a little spark of joy that’s trying to come back, and that alone is worth celebrating.

He’s gradually putting on weight, and life is slowly returning to him. And looming ahead is the heartworm treatment—a long, grueling, and costly process, but one he needs to fully recover. His treatment is ongoing, and the costs are mounting. Boss still needs support to cover his clinic expenses, so he can continue on this path to recovery.

Update 11/19/24:
Boss continues to amaze us. Still far from his ideal weight, he’s walking more steadily now, and that spark of mischief in his eye is growing brighter every day. Watching him explore his world again—taking careful steps, wagging his tail, and even getting into a little bit of trouble—is nothing short of miraculous. It’s hard to believe that just weeks ago, he couldn’t even lift his head.

But as with every recovery journey, there are hurdles. When Boss arrived, his skin was in terrible shape—bald patches everywhere. We assumed his hair loss was due to malnutrition or pressure sores from lying for so long. Our focus was on saving his life—stabilizing him, feeding him, and treating his most urgent conditions and we were hoping his coat would grow back as his health improved. Unfortunately, it didn’t.

After tests, we learned the culprit: canine herpesvirus. It’s a viral condition that can affect his skin and overall health, especially in dogs with weakened immune systems like Boss. While it’s treatable, it’s another battle for his already fragile body. It’s going to take time, medication, and a lot of care to help him overcome this.

Boss has come so far, from fighting for his life to walking and playing again. But he still needs us—now more than ever. Please keep him in your thoughts and consider supporting his treatment so we can help him overcome this next challenge.