Imagine, just for a moment, someone taking a hard, unyielding metal wire and wrapping it tightly around your mouth.
Imagine the pressure cutting into your skin, the constant pain, the inability to open your jaw, to eat, to drink, or even to pant freely.
That is exactly what happened to this poor dog.
A Distress Call in Manali
The Manali Strays rescue team received a case that left even the most seasoned rescuers shaken. A dog had been spotted wandering with a thick wire wound cruelly tight around his mouth. The report came from concerned locals who had seen the animal cowering in a corner, unable to bark, whimper, or defend himself.
Time was critical. Every second that wire stayed in place meant more damage—cuts, infections, and starvation. Without immediate intervention, the dog’s chances of survival were slim.
The Rush to Help
Without wasting a moment, Subhas and Tejash, two dedicated members of the Manali Strays team, gathered their equipment and set out. Their van navigated the winding mountain roads until they reached the location described.
There, in a quiet corner of a field, they saw him.
The dog sat motionless, head lowered, eyes darting nervously. His body trembled—not from the cold, but from fear and pain. The cruel loop of wire was clearly visible, cutting deep into the tender skin around his muzzle.
A Careful Approach
Rescuing a distressed animal is never easy. Fear often makes them lash out, even when help is at hand. Subhas and Tejash approached slowly, speaking in gentle tones. Still, the dog’s fear was palpable—his eyes wide, his body pressed against the wall as if trying to disappear.
The team decided to use a net for safety. With practiced precision, they cast it over him, securing him gently but firmly. His struggles were brief—he was already too weak.
To prevent further trauma and ensure a safe removal of the wire, they administered a sedative. Within minutes, the dog’s breathing slowed, and his tense body began to relax.
The Wire Comes Off
Subhas knelt beside him, pulling out a pair of cutters. With careful hands, he located the tightest point of the wire and snipped. The tension released instantly. Slowly, piece by piece, the cruel device was removed.
It turned out to be a broken brake cable—thick, metallic, and utterly unsuitable to be anywhere near an animal’s mouth. No one knew how it got there. Was it deliberate cruelty? An accident? Had the dog gotten entangled while scavenging for food? The truth may never be known.
But one fact was clear: without intervention, he would not have survived.
A New Beginning at the Shelter
The team transported him immediately to the Manali Strays shelter. On the way, the dog—still under sedation—lay quietly in the van, free from the wire for the first time in who knows how long.
At the shelter, the staff welcomed him with relief and concern. They named him Colin—a name that symbolized gentleness and resilience.
The first step was to weigh him. He was undernourished but not dangerously thin, a sign that the injury was recent. The vets examined his mouth carefully. Miraculously, there were no deep cuts or infections. The wire had pressed into his skin but hadn’t yet caused irreparable damage.
Still, he was kept under close observation. The staff cleaned his muzzle, applied soothing ointments, and monitored him for swelling or internal injuries. Every movement, every breath, was watched with care.
The Road to Recovery
In the days that followed, Colin slowly regained his strength. At first, he was timid, hesitant to approach anyone. But the staff at Manali Strays knew the language of patience. They offered him food, clean water, and soft bedding.
At first, he sniffed the food suspiciously, unsure if it was safe. Then hunger won. Bite by bite, he ate, his tail giving the smallest wag of gratitude.
Each day, he grew braver. He allowed the staff to pet him, leaning into their hands with growing trust. His eyes, once filled with fear, began to soften. The weight of suffering slowly lifted.
A Message Beyond One Rescue
Colin’s story is not just about one dog. It is a reminder of the dangers human negligence creates. That wire—a discarded brake cable—had nearly cost him his life.
Animals do not understand human-made hazards. They wander into traps, swallow plastics, and injure themselves on discarded metal. For them, every piece of garbage left behind can become a death sentence.
As Subhas said afterward, “We can’t always stop cruelty. But we can prevent accidents. Please, dispose of dangerous materials responsibly. What we throw away can destroy another life.”
Colin Today
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Manali Strays team, Colin is safe, healing, and learning to trust again. His muzzle is free. He can eat, drink, and bark like any other dog. More importantly, he now knows that not all humans bring pain—some bring love, safety, and care.
His journey is far from over, but with every wag of his tail, Colin shows that hope is stronger than suffering.
