He was shot in the face and left to die - and is now searching for a home where he will be shown what it is to be loved. Buddy, a pulin cross balkin collie, was living on the streets of Bosnia when he was viciously attacked by a cruel stranger.
The poor pooch spent days on the street with a hole in his head before being picked up and taken to a vets for treatment. Despite his critical condition, Buddy was able to pull through live-saving reconstructive surgery, reports CornwallLive.
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But, in the process, he lost his upper jaw and had to have two small holes reconstructed where his nose was so he is able to breathe properly.
The two or three year-old dog, who is currently being fostered by a lady in Bosnia while he waits to arrive in Cornwall later this month, is up for adoption with Launceston-based charity, Paws2Freedom.
A spokesperson for the charity described Buddy as a "true hero" who is very friendly and energetic.
"It's like no one has told him he hasn't got a nose or upper jaw," Susan Sheldon, from Paws2Freedom, said. "He acts like a normal dog. Despite the fact that he lived on the streets and was kicked, abused and then shot, Buddy is full of life and energy.
"The lovely lady where he currently is describes him as young, cheerful, funny and sweet.
"But he would certainly need a big and active home in a semi-rural area so he can run around and play. Ideally, there would also be another female dog for company, who can be a role model for Buddy to help him learn and adjust."
A Paws2Freedom statement reads: "He can eat normally. He is breathing absolutely fine except that on occasion he sometimes sneezes quite a bit.
"The vet explained that due to the nature of Buddy's injury there was nothing much left of his lower sinuses and breathing airways.
"As part of the surgery the vet has reconstructed two little holes to breathe through but Buddy can sometimes have food stuck there which triggers a sneeze reflex.
"It is important to give Buddy suitable food. His condition sadly makes tin food mush an absolute no-no.
"Buddy copes best with dry food, cooked meat and veg. It would be essential for his future adopters to continue his diet.
"Buddy has been through hell and back and we would like to see him enjoy as many of life's pleasures as possible."
Susan hopes to find Buddy a suitable forever home in Cornwall or Devon in time for his arrival later this month. To adopt Buddy, or find out more about him, contact Paws2Freedom via their website https://www.paws2freedom.org/buddy.
Buddy would be best suited to a cat-free home with older teenage children because of his energy and tendency to jump.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
