Balin’s Story

Balin arrived at the Los Barrios pound in November 2024 and was around 9 months old at the time. He is a gorgeous crossbreed who was found, presumably abandoned, on the streets and brought to the pound. When he arrived, Balin was in a terrible state—severely underweight, with a gaping wound on his face and a paw that was barely recognizable, reduced to open flesh and bone.

He was rushed to the vet, where our worst fears were confirmed: poor Balin had been shot in the head and paw with a shotgun. The circumstances surrounding this cruel act are too heartbreaking to imagine. His road to recovery has been incredibly challenging. We did everything we could to save his leg, but unfortunately, the best path forward was amputation.

Fortunately for Balin, he was able to move to a foster home where he could receive the medical care and love he needed. His foster carer shared:

“Balin is the best patient—always calm and trusting, never putting a foot wrong. His three legs don’t slow him down at all. He plays, runs, and goes for walks just like any other dog. He’s very laid-back and loves nothing more than lounging and cuddling on the couch.

He currently lives with five other dogs and gets along wonderfully with all of them—small, big, young, and old. He adores children and is always up for a bit of playtime. On the few occasions he has encountered cats during walks, he hasn’t shown much interest in them.

Balin is a gentle soul who patiently waits his turn at feeding time. He travels well in the car, is fully housetrained, and has no problem being left alone at home—even without the other dogs for company. He loves countryside walks and enjoys exploring the outdoors, so a forever home with a garden would be ideal for him.

In town settings, he can be a little nervous around crowds and traffic, but after a couple of visits, he adjusts remarkably well. This just shows what a fast learner and adaptable dog he is. Sometimes he may be shy at first with strangers—understandable, given the unimaginable trauma he has endured—but his shyness quickly disappears with a treat and a tummy rub.

He has wonderful manners and I can easily imagine him as a great office dog. His resilience and gentle nature are truly remarkable.”

Balin is an amazing dog and a loving companion. He has been through so much, yet he remains trusting, affectionate, and full of life. Now, he’s waiting for a forever home where he can continue to thrive.