A malnourished puppy was abandoned in the parking lot of the Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville, Kentucky, about a year ago when it was on the verge of death. Somehow, the personnel at KHS were alerted to some movement from under a filthy blanket by a passing car full of kind people who had just given some stuff there.
The workers found the unusual Presa Canario Mastiff, which only weighed 38 pounds. This breed ought to have weighed more than 100 pounds. He was the thinnest dog that Kentucky Humane Society staff had ever seen on the premises, and they believed that his chances of life were fewer than 10%.
The doctors did everything they could to get the little dog back to health, but he nevertheless remained resolute in his will to live. The staff gave the dog the name Ethan, which is Hebrew for “strong-willed.” Despite all odds, Ethan improved with each day spent at the vet, becoming stronger and more stable.
The Louisville neighborhood rapidly learned about Ethan’s recovery. The Humane Society employees started providing daily updates of his progress on a website called Ethan Almighty because people were so fascinated by his life. Within a short period of time, Ethan had gathered tens of thousands of supporters from all around the world.
During the time Ethan spent at the humane society, he stole many hearts, including one employee, Jeff Callaway. Callaway began fostering Ethan in his home, and shortly after officially adopted him on March 10. Only 5 and a half weeks from that fateful day of being dumped in the parking lot, Ethan received a second chance at life.
“Somehow he survived, has thrived, and has been an inspiration to thousands of people around the world.” Callaways told Southern Living.
Callaway also revealed to Southern Living that, before to meeting Ethan, he was a very private person. After adopting Ethan, Callaway started sharing updates about him on the pooches’ journey Facebook and Instagram sites. The moment Ethan discovered his forever home, he felt it was his responsibility to make sure that everyone who had loved and supported him throughout his recovery could do so.
Letters started to arrive from people all over the world whose lives had been altered by Ethan and, in many cases, saved. Callaway claimed that a letter had been received from a person who had been diagnosed with cancer but had chosen not to seek treatment because of Ethan’s remarkable recovery.
Other letters revealed that they were in depression or on the verge of suicide when they came across Ethan’s story on their Facebook feeds. They said Ethan provided the unexpected glimmer of hope they needed to keep going.
“I think his story came when so many people were stuck at home watching nothing but sad news,” Callaway said. “He came along, and I think people thought, ‘Here’s another sad story.’ And day after day, he lived. He struggled, he fought. And he kept living. He brought inspiration to people. He brought hope.”
Not only does Ethan inspire humans, Ethan is said to also be a blessing to his fellow four-legged friends. Ethan has now been going to work at the humane society with Callaway every day. While Callaway works, there is also a list of stuff to do for Ethan so he does not get bored. Ethan spends much of his day in the vet service area, interacting and comforting the sick animals who are recovering from spaying/neutering to limb removal.
“He loves all animals,” Callways said “Cats and dogs alike.”
Even in the case of misplaced pets, Ethan has assisted in finding their owners.
Frankie Mae, a 1-year-old cat who had survived a house fire and was brought to the humane society for care, and Ethan recently met. After seeing a Facebook post featuring Frankie Mae and Ethan, a friend of the cat’s owner informed her that her kitty had been located.
With everything that Ethan has been through, Callaway says that he has never shied away from people or shown anything but love to everyone and anyone he meets.
“It’s like he understands now that his job is to give back,” Callaway said. That probably sounds crazy, but he’s a special soul. He’s a constant reminder to me to think of others and always give back more than you take.”
To keep up with Ethan, follow his Instagram at EthanAlmighty and Facebook page linked here.
