Although Amici Cannis Hospital helps hundreds of dogs and cats in need, every once in a while, a special dog or cat comes along who leaves a huge imprint on our hearts.   Lado has one of those stories.



Lado is a loving dog, who despite being abandoned and enduring weeks of pain and suffering, never gave up on his desire to live and be loved.

At the end of March, the Cotacachi Municipio found Lado badly injured in the Intag Valley, a region outside of downtown Cotacachi.  They put him in their truck and brought Lado to Amici Cannis Hospital.  When Lado arrived at the hospital the doctors did a full evaluation of Lado's condition.  His front leg was swollen and unuseable, his body was covered in open wounds which were infected, and he was clearly in a lot of pain.  He also was severely malnourished, covered in fleas, and had internal parasites. 

The Amici Cannis team got to work on saving this sweet boy.  The first two weeks Lado was receiving care at the hospital and being evaluated daily of his progress.  After two weeks, one of our amazing volunteers stepped in and offered to foster Lado at her home while he continued to heal.  Despite receiving care for the parasites and fleas,  x-rays of his front legged revealed that the bone of the leg was completely destroyed by a fungal infection and it  would never heal.  The hospital team got together and decided an amputation was the only choice to relieve him from the ongoing pain he was experiencing.

Flash forward 2 months later, and the surgery was a success!!!  Lado was now a healthy ‘three legged’ dog and was ready for his forever home.   According to his foster mom, “Lado was such a good dog!  He was outgoing, friendly and loved to cuddle…his tail was always wagging, and his face had a smile”.   During the time of being fostered, Lado found his way into the foster parent’s next door neighbor’s home in their townhome community.  After many daily visits to her home, Lado found his way into her heart and was soon adopted by the neighbor.   

A huge thanks to his foster mom, who opened her heart and home for Lado!  You nourished his love with your kindness, and we are forever grateful!