Bella's Journey

When we found Bella in June 2023, she was barely recognizable as a dog. Severely malnourished and suffering from a severe skin infection that left her almost completely hairless, she was discovered huddled beneath a market stall during the rainy season.

Our rescue team rushed her to our clinic, where Dr. Okello wasn't sure she would survive the night. Her body temperature was dangerously low, and she was too weak to stand or eat on her own. For two weeks, our team provided round-the-clock care, feeding her small amounts by hand and administering IV fluids and antibiotics.

Slowly, Bella began to show signs of improvement. Her skin started to heal, and small patches of fur began to grow back. Most importantly, her spirit returned – where once there had been only fear in her eyes, we began to see curiosity and even joy.

After three months of rehabilitation, Bella was transformed. Her beautiful golden coat had grown in, she had reached a healthy weight, and she had revealed herself to be a gentle, loving dog with a special affinity for children.

The Nsubuga family met Bella during a community adoption event and fell in love immediately. Today, Bella lives in Kampala with her loving family, including two children who she protects and plays with daily. The Nsubugas report that it's hard to believe Bella ever suffered – she's now a confident, happy dog who brings immeasurable joy to their home.

Max's Miracle

Max's story begins with tragedy. In November 2022, our emergency hotline received a call about a dog who had been hit by a car and left on the roadside in Ntinda, a busy suburb of Kampala.

When our rescue team arrived, they found a young Shepherd mix with multiple fractures in both hind legs and severe internal bleeding. Most rescues would have considered euthanasia the humane option, but something in Max's eyes – a fierce will to live – convinced us to try.

Max underwent emergency surgery that lasted over five hours. Dr. Okello and a visiting orthopedic vet specialist worked tirelessly to repair his shattered legs using metal pins and plates – specialized equipment that was only available thanks to our supporters' donations.

The road to recovery was long and challenging. Max required intensive physiotherapy, and for the first month, he needed help even to stand. Our rehabilitation team created a custom-made wheelchair for him to use while his legs healed, and volunteer Emma spent hours each day working with him on strength-building exercises.

Against all odds, Max began to walk again after two months. By the four-month mark, he was running across our sanctuary's play yard, his dramatic recovery amazing everyone who had been part of his journey.

Max's story reached far beyond Uganda, touching the heart of the Johnson family in Minnesota, USA. They followed his recovery online and eventually applied to adopt him. After navigating the international adoption process, Max flew to his forever home in May 2023.

Today, Max enjoys his new life in America, where he has three acres of land to run on and a family who adores him. The Johnsons report that aside from a slight limp when he's tired, you'd never know what he's been through. "He's the most grateful, loving dog we've ever known," they shared in a recent update.

Luna's Second Chance

In February 2023, a local farmer discovered something heartbreaking near a stream outside Kampala – a tied plastic bag moving slightly. Inside were a mother dog and her seven newborn puppies, all left to die.

The farmer immediately called UncleDogs Rescue, and our team rushed to the scene. The mother, whom we named Luna, was severely dehydrated and malnourished but had been using her body to keep her puppies warm and alive. It was clear she had sacrificed her own comfort and health to protect her babies.

All eight dogs were brought to our sanctuary, where Luna received urgent medical care. Despite her poor condition, she continued to nurse her puppies devotedly. Our team supplemented her milk with bottle feeding to ensure all seven puppies – who we named after stars: Sirius, Orion, Vega, Polaris, Nova, Stella, and Leo – received adequate nutrition.

Luna's story of maternal devotion touched hearts worldwide when we shared it on social media. Donations poured in to support her care, and applications to adopt Luna and her puppies came from across Uganda and beyond.

As the puppies grew stronger and began to develop their unique personalities, we carefully matched them with loving homes. Two puppies were adopted locally by families in Kampala, while three found homes in neighboring Kenya. Luna and her two remaining puppies, Stella and Leo, were adopted together by the Ochen family, who have a large farm outside Kampala.

Mrs. Ochen reports that Luna has flourished in her new home, regaining her health and confidence. "She watches over Stella and Leo as they play, always gentle and patient. It's a joy to see them all so happy and safe."