Dog named “Hector” who was found on an island off the coast of Alaska in 2013. The story has been widely shared and has become a viral sensation.
Here’s what actually happened:
In June 2013, a kayaker named Wayne Dubeau was paddling through the waters of Admiralty Island in southeastern Alaska when he spotted a dog on the beach. The dog, later named Hector, was lying on the shore, seemingly abandoned and emaciated. Dubeau approached the dog and was shocked by its condition – it was clear that Hector had been living on the island for some time, surviving on scraps and scavenging for food.
As Dubeau approached, Hector looked up at him with pleading eyes, and it’s clear that he knew he had been discovered. The dog’s body was covered in sores and parasites, and he weighed only about 35 pounds – a fraction of his normal weight. It was evident that Hector had been living on the island for weeks, possibly even months.
Dubeau quickly called for help, and soon a team of animal rescue workers arrived on the scene. They rushed Hector to a nearby veterinary clinic, where he received emergency treatment for his starvation and related health issues.
The investigation into Hector’s past revealed that he was likely abandoned by his previous owner, who had been camping on the island. The owner had left Hector behind, and it’s unclear why or how long before Hector ended up on the island.
After his rescue, Hector spent several months recovering from his ordeal. He received extensive medical care and gained weight, eventually weighing around 60 pounds. He was eventually adopted by a new family and is now living a happy and healthy life.
The story of Hector’s survival and rescue is a powerful reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the impact that humans can have on the lives of animals. It’s also a testament to the resilience of dogs, who can survive even in the most challenging conditions.
It’s worth noting that while Hector’s story is an extreme example of animal neglect, it’s not uncommon for dogs to be abandoned or left behind in remote areas. If you’re concerned about an animal’s welfare or suspect that an animal has been abandoned, it’s important to report it to local authorities or animal welfare organizations as soon as possible.