A severely malnourished 7-year-old mastiff was discovered on the Urbaser cleaning company premises, teetering on the brink of death.

He was given the name Ragnar, in tribute to the legendary Norse king, Ragnar Lodbrok. From the moment he arrived at the Huellas Salvadas Animal Shelter, he was enveloped in a blanket of love and unwavering dedication.

Ragnar’s condition was critical, but his rescuers refused to give up. Every small step in his recovery was a monumental achievement. The veterinarians at the Menescal Novelda clinic spared no effort, providing round-the-clock care, although the circumstances surrounding his ordeal remained shrouded in mystery. There were suspicions he might have been locked away in a field or warehouse, but no breakthroughs emerged from the investigations.

Ragnar had a harrowing abscess in his ear and face from which worms emerged, yet he fought tenaciously for his life.

However, on a somber Monday morning, Huellas Salvadas had to share the heartbreaking news of Ragnar’s passing. “His frail body couldn’t endure any longer, and tonight he lost the battle,” the organization announced.

“We woke up to devastating news, news we wished we’d never have to deliver. Our Viking warrior, Ragnar, has passed away. We are profoundly saddened because we had fervently hoped he would recover, just like all of you did. Even Ragnar,” they shared.

“Now, our Viking is finally free, surrounded by love and people who cared for him. Although it was brief, he experienced the other side of humanity – the one that uses hands to offer caresses and love, not cruelty. Like a true Viking warrior, you’ll be in Valhalla,” the emotional message continued.

Ragnar’s memory lives on, and Huellas Salvadas vowed to intensify their efforts to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.

The Local Police of Elche remains committed to finding Ragnar’s owner, a person who had neglected to provide him with proper care and allowed his weight to plummet to less than 20 kilos when he should have weighed 60.

Ragnar’s story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the cruelty humans can inflict, but it also serves as a call to action to ensure that no other innocent creature suffers a similar fate. Rest in peace, dear Ragnar. You are now a legend, and legends never truly fade.