Rambo was first discovered by a member of Every Life Matters Animal Rescue clinging to life. He had been badly bitten all over, likely used as bait in dog fighting and then dumped and left to die.
They rushed him to the emergency vets where it was touch and go for a time. He is now in the care of Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE) and after a month and a half of tender loving care, Rambo is beginning to love his life.
Doctors tried to save his back limbs, but because of the extent of the infection and injuries they had to amputate both his back paws.
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
Since he arrived at CARE, he’s been getting plenty of TLC.
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
He’s also received an outpouring of support from dog lovers around the globe.
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
He has a favorite moose toy.
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
A froggy is in the running to be his new favorite.
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
Although he’s lost his back feet, the vets are optimistic Rambo will be able to bear weight on his stubs with some more skin graft surgeries.
“Since he bears such good weight without implants or prosthesis we have switched back to the goal of getting pad tissue to the bottom so he has a good surface to walk on,” CARE wrote on Facebook.
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
In the meantime Rambo has gotten a wheelchair to get around with and is picking up how to use it quite quickly.
In his down-time he loves giving kisses.
And he now has a foster family to look after him.
“It reportedly went really well,” CARE wrote in a Facebook update. “He got to spend lots of time snuggling with other dogs.”
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
Rambo’s future is looking incredibly bright compared to the hell he’s been through.
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
Rambo’s story is getting a lot of press, something that his rescuers say helps him and other dogs like him. “Rambo might need an agent soon!! Glad that the ‘golden lining’ to all of this is that he can bring awareness to the on-going dog fighting that occurs on our own back yards. If Rambo helps to save just one dog from such abuse then it is a job well done!!”
Rambo found a wonderful forever home a few months after his rescue and is loving life with his caring parents and doggie siblings. He also still regularly visits with his rescuers at CARE. Recently, he shared a special pupcake with them for his birthday!
CARE wrote, “Rambo and his Momma paid us a visit today! We shared some birthday cake (canine and human) and gave all the kisses, hugs, and belly scratches we could! He was every bit the sweet, happy, and loving boy he was when he went home to his furever family. We are also happy to report that he has maintained his healthy appetite and at one point grabbed his entire cake right off the plate! We cannot thank Rambo’s Mom enough for the visit, but also for giving him such a loving, and attentive home. We love you, Rambo!”
We’re so happy to see that Rambo has made a full recovery and has a family he loves and who love him. Share Rambo’s story with your friends.
Despite the pain and trauma he endured, Rambo’s gentle spirit has remained unshaken. His recovery has not only been physical but also deeply emotional. Day by day, his confidence has grown, and he’s learned that the world isn’t as cruel as it once seemed. Thanks to the love and care he’s received, he now walks with pride—even if it’s sometimes with the help of his wheelchair—and his story continues to inspire everyone who meets him.
Rambo’s days are now filled with joy, companionship, and security. He spends his mornings sunbathing in the yard with his dog siblings and his evenings cuddled up on the couch with his forever mom. He has quickly become the heart of the household—playful, affectionate, and always eager to be in the middle of everything. Whether it’s family movie night or a casual walk with the stroller, Rambo is right there, soaking in every bit of life.
His family often shares updates on social media, showing the world just how far Rambo has come. One particularly heartwarming video shows Rambo racing across the lawn in his wheelchair, ears flapping in the wind, his toy moose clutched triumphantly in his mouth. Viewers from all around the globe leave comments expressing admiration and love for the resilient pup.
“Watching Rambo thrive after all he’s been through brings tears to my eyes,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “He’s a living testament to the power of second chances.”
Rambo has even become a local celebrity. He makes occasional appearances at community events promoting animal welfare, and his story is often used by CARE and Every Life Matters Animal Rescue to educate people about the horrors of dog fighting and the importance of adopting pets rather than buying them. With every paw print he leaves behind, Rambo is spreading a message of hope and healing.
His family has also helped him adjust to life with his new mobility challenges. They’ve customized their home to make it easier for Rambo to move around comfortably. Ramps lead to his favorite sunbathing spots, and soft mats cushion his steps indoors. They’ve also invested in training to help him learn commands that work best for his abilities, and he’s proven to be a quick learner, eager to please and even quicker to give kisses in return.
Rambo’s bond with his mom is particularly special. She was there during some of his most vulnerable moments, and he seems to sense just how much she loves him. He follows her from room to room, always wanting to be close. At night, he curls up next to her bed, secure in the knowledge that he is finally safe.
Every few weeks, Rambo returns to CARE—not because he needs treatment anymore, but because he loves visiting his old friends. The staff light up when they see him. He’s not just a former patient—he’s family. They greet him with belly rubs, snacks, and sometimes even a new toy or two. His visits serve as powerful reminders of why they do what they do.
One vet at CARE shared, “Seeing Rambo come in, tail wagging and eyes shining, it reminds us that our work matters. He’s not just surviving—he’s thriving.”
To celebrate his newfound life, Rambo’s family threw a “Gotcha Day” party on the anniversary of his adoption. There were balloons, pupcakes, and plenty of dog-friendly treats. His doggie siblings wore little party hats, and Rambo proudly wore a bandana that said, “Rescued and Loved.” The event was shared online and quickly went viral, with thousands of people sending virtual hugs and well wishes.
Looking ahead, Rambo’s family is considering having him trained as a therapy dog. Given his sweet temperament and inspiring story, they believe he could bring comfort to hospital patients, children, and others in need of emotional support. It’s a goal they are approaching with patience and love, ensuring Rambo always feels happy and stress-free throughout the journey.
His legacy is already touching lives. Inspired by his story, more people have come forward to adopt animals with special needs. Rescue organizations report an uptick in applications and donations, crediting Rambo’s story for raising awareness about the importance of giving every animal a chance—no matter their past or present challenges.
As for Rambo, every day is a new adventure. Whether he’s playing with his moose, zooming around in his wheelchair, or snuggling on the couch, he’s a living symbol of what resilience, compassion, and unconditional love can achieve.
His rescuers, foster family, veterinary team, and forever family all played crucial roles in saving his life—but it was Rambo’s unbreakable spirit that carried him through. And now, that same spirit continues to light the way for other animals still waiting for their second chance.
So here’s to Rambo—the brave little fighter who refused to give up, who beat the odds, and who now reminds the world every day that love can heal even the deepest wounds. May his days be filled with joy, may his journey inspire change, and may his heart always know how deeply he is loved.
