For a long time, the streets of San Martín were all Polito knew.

Small in size but hardened by survival, Polito had been living on his own since he was just a puppy. Abandonment shaped his early life, and neglect left marks that went far deeper than what the eye could see. His body developed visible tumors that caused people to step back in fear, and by the age of two, Polito had learned one rule above all else: trust no one.

Anyone who came too close was met with warning growls and sharp snaps. These weren’t signs of aggression — they were shields built from years of loneliness. Polito wasn’t dangerous. He was terrified.

Still, even in that hardened heart, change was quietly approaching.

Building trust with Polito took time — far more than days or even weeks. Every movement had to be slow, every interaction gentle. Fear clung to him like a second skin, and human hands reminded him of everything he had learned to avoid. But patience has a way of breaking through walls that force never could.

Little by little, Polito allowed us closer. And when the fragile bond was finally strong enough, he was taken to a veterinary hospital — a place that overwhelmed his senses and reignited old fears. His body trembled with uncertainty, his eyes constantly searching for escape. Yet for the first time, he didn’t run.

At the hospital, veterinarians confirmed that Polito was suffering from transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). The diagnosis was serious, especially for a dog who had already endured so much, but it also brought something he’d never had before: a real chance at recovery. Treatment would involve chemotherapy, and the journey ahead promised to be long — emotionally and physically.

Video From Streets to Strength: How Polito Learned to Trust and Heal Again

Healing Polito meant more than treating illness. His emotional wounds were just as deep.

At Servivet Veterinary Clinic, Polito struggled at first. His hemoglobin levels were low, his body weak, and he refused to eat. Traditional feeding methods failed, forcing caregivers to turn to syringe feeding with A/D canned food formulated for malnourished dogs. Each small feeding was a quiet victory — proof that his body was still fighting.

Gradually, his appetite returned. And with nourishment came change.

The defensive growls softened. His tense posture relaxed. One day, a hesitant tail wag replaced fear. Another day, a gentle glance lingered just a little longer. Trust, once shattered, was slowly being rebuilt.

Chemotherapy was not easy. For a dog who had never known stability, the treatments were exhausting and frightening. But Polito surprised everyone. Under the careful supervision of dedicated veterinarians, he endured each session with remarkable resilience. The tumors began to shrink. His movements grew steadier. His eyes — once guarded and distant — began to reflect curiosity.

As weeks passed, Polito’s transformation became undeniable.

His weight increased. His strength returned. The dog who once hid from the world now explored his surroundings with growing confidence. He learned routines. He learned safety. And most importantly, he learned that kindness could exist without harm.

Polito was no longer the forgotten dog of San Martín’s streets. He had people who showed up for him — every day.

His recovery stands as a powerful reminder of what patience, compassion, and medical care can achieve. Polito’s story isn’t just about survival; it’s about rediscovering life after fear has taken so much away.

Today, Polito walks with purpose. His eyes are brighter. His spirit lighter. Chemotherapy continues, and his health improves steadily, but the greatest change can’t be measured by scans or tests. It lives in the trust he now offers freely — and the happiness he’s finally allowed to feel.

Polito’s journey isn’t finished yet. But step by step, he’s proving that even after years of neglect and pain, hope can still find a way back. Through the hands of those who refused to give up on him, Polito is learning what it truly means to be safe, loved, and home.