**Barilla’s Journey: From Starvation to a Life Full of Love**

When Barilla, a young puppy, was brought into a Spanish rescue center, her condition was nothing short of heartbreaking. Her frail body was so emaciated that her bones protruded through her skin, and her organs were on the verge of failure. She was nothing more than a bag of bones, with so little muscle mass that she couldn’t even stand or walk.

Barilla, named after the thin spaghetti brand due to her skeletal frame, weighed just 16 pounds when she arrived at the center. Her rescuers immediately hooked her up to a drip, but her survival was uncertain. At any moment, her fragile body could succumb to organ failure. The only signs of life she could muster were the slight wagging of her tail and the weak movement of her head.

### **A Determined Rescuer**

Despite the odds, Eduardo Rodriguez, the owner of the rescue center, was determined to save Barilla. He adopted her and began nursing her back to health with unwavering dedication. Even after gaining 8.8 pounds in the first week, Barilla was still unable to stand on her own. Each attempt to get on her feet ended with her collapsing back to the ground.

But Eduardo never gave up on her. He cared for her every single day, ensuring she had the nutrition, love, and care she needed to recover.

### **A Staggering Recovery**

Eight weeks later, Barilla’s transformation was nothing short of miraculous. After consuming more food than she had likely ever seen during the 10 months of neglect she had endured, Barilla became a completely different dog. Her weight increased to a healthy 46 pounds, and she was finally on the road to a full recovery.

Eduardo, who had fallen in love with Barilla at first sight, officially adopted her. Thought to be a Belgian Malinois mix, Barilla now shares her new home on the outskirts of Granada with Eduardo, his wife, their 14-year-old daughter, and five other dogs.

“Her will to live was amazing, and I felt a connection with her the moment I saw her,” Eduardo said. “We’re inseparable now. She’s so intelligent and obedient. The first day I saw her, I told my colleagues I was going to keep her—and that’s exactly what happened.”

### **The Mystery of Barilla’s Past**

Barilla’s rescuers are still investigating the circumstances that led to her horrific condition. Local police were alerted by a man who claimed to have found Barilla in such a state. However, Eduardo and his team suspect she was locked up and deprived of food and water, rather than living on the streets.

“She had marks on her paws and legs, which we believe were caused by her dragging herself around because she couldn’t walk properly due to her lack of muscle mass,” Eduardo explained.

The rescue center is determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible for Barilla’s suffering accountable.

### **A Life Full of Love**

Today, Barilla is living her best life, filled with love, happiness, and adventure. She travels everywhere with Eduardo, who ensures she experiences the life she always deserved.

Barilla’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the power of second chances. From the brink of death to a life of joy and love, Barilla’s transformation is nothing short of extraordinary.

“Barilla deserves a second chance at life,” Eduardo said. “Thank you to everyone who supported her journey and made her recovery possible.”

Barilla’s journey reminds us all of the importance of compassion and the incredible impact it can have on a life in need.