While driving one ordinary day, we came across a dog on the roadside—a sight that would soon change our lives. At first glance, Osi seemed like just another stray in need of help. But a closer look revealed a different story: his face was swollen, his skin raw and painful.

Osi, a ten-year-old dog, actually had an owner. Yet, despite his suffering, he didn’t want to leave the person who had neglected him. His owner, unmoved and distant, didn’t so much as glance at Osi as we approached. The dog’s eyes filled with sorrow and desperation, silently pleading with his owner not to let us take him away.

The owner explained that Osi had eaten a pork bone, and after two months, his mouth had become severely infected. We shaved his fur to treat the skin, uncovering rough, mange-ridden patches. It was hard to believe Osi belonged to anyone. He was weak, thin, and covered in scratches—clear signs of long-term neglect.

Veterinarians took blood samples and soon performed oral surgery. Osi needed painkillers and close monitoring. Despite the care, his face remained heavy with sadness. The question lingered: why had his owner ignored his suffering for so long? Just a few more days without treatment could have been fatal.

Thankfully, Osi’s post-surgery condition stabilized. We took him on short walks to lift his spirits, but he only managed a few steps before wanting to return—clearly missing his previous owner. I comforted him as best I could, hoping to ease his longing.

Follow-up exams showed his wound was healing well, with dissolvable stitches requiring no removal. After three days in the hospital, Osi was discharged. He was curious about the neighbor’s dogs but remained calm and gentle, quietly exploring his new surroundings. It was clear he had been lonely for a very long time; I had never seen him smile.

We prepared a warm bed for him, and soon, many people came to visit and welcome Osi, eager to show him affection. Still, I wondered why he continued to remember his old owner. Loyalty, it seems, is embedded in the DNA of dogs, and it’s not easily forgotten—no matter how they are treated. Dogs remain steadfast friends, even when their devotion goes unappreciated.

Gradually, Osi began to adjust to his new life. With care, his skin improved—no longer red, itchy, or uncomfortable. He developed a fondness for sunbathing, enjoying the gentle warmth on calm, sunny days. For a while, it seemed as though his life would remain beautiful.

But after ten weeks, Osi stopped eating and drinking. The veterinarians delivered heartbreaking news: he was suffering from stage three kidney failure. His time was running out. I couldn’t help but cry as I listened to the prognosis, wondering why so much hardship had befallen him.

After a week of intensive treatment, Osi rallied. His appetite returned, and he ate everything offered. Our journey together was filled with challenges, but I prayed for better days ahead. Re-tests showed his condition had stabilized, and he was finally able to come home, though still tired and in pain.

“Let’s go home, Osi,” I told him, hoping to comfort him. Two months later, Osi’s white fur had grown back, making him the most handsome dog in the neighborhood. He was happy, living life to the fullest, and at last, a smile replaced the sadness on his face.

We cherish every moment together, knowing these memories will live forever in our hearts. Osi’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of animals, the depth of their loyalty, and the transformative power of love and care.