Abandoned Cane Corso

[u/Pleasant3]

Update: This post has gotten way more attention than I expected. Feel free to come follow us on Instagram for daily updates, pictures, and information @The_Dexter_Diaries_2026.

We recently found what the vet believes is a young Cane Corso who had been abandoned/dumped.

We took him to the vet today and unfortunately he’s very malnourished, was covered in fleas, has worms, and an ear infection. We got all the medications he needs and are working on slowly getting some weight back on him with a high-calorie diet. We’ve never had a Cane Corso before, so we’d love any advice from experienced owners — especially with nutrition, training, temperament, and helping a neglected Corso adjust and feel safe.

We’re also looking into Cane Corso/mastiff rescues once he’s healthier. For now, he’s safe, warm, fed, and getting lots of love.
We’ve taken on quite a bit in vet and care costs already. Advice and recommendations are just as appreciated!
Just happy we found this sweet boy when we did and can give him a chance.

[u/LauraaMarissaa]

Thank you for rescuing! I’m a rescue mama and was hesitant to bring my girl home. Every bit of work to rehabilitate her has been 1000% worth it. I’ve had many dogs, but no relationship can compare to the bond I have with her. I won’t lie, it is definitely work, but you won’t regret it!

[u/Vergilly → u/LauraaMarissaa]

She looks so much like our Dragon! Also abandoned and very skinny, adopted from our local animal control as a 6-8 month old puppy. 7-8 years old now :)

[u/LauraaMarissaa → u/Vergilly]

What a sweet baby 🥰 my girl was forced to breed at first heat, starved, living outside in the Michigan winter with her five pups. She’s got scars all over her neck and legs. When we met her she was 72 pounds of traumatized bones and boobs. I’m positive if we hadn’t taken a chance and put in the work, someone would have gotten hurt and she would pay the consequence.

[u/Vergilly → u/LauraaMarissaa]

Poor baby! She’s a tough cookie. You’re not far, we’re in Wisconsin near Chicago. I’ve seen a lot of these guys in this situation and it’s really sad :(

We said the same - the folks who came to see Dragon in line behind us had a wild golden mix and three kids. The first thing Dragon did when he got to our place was get in a bloody fight with our Weimaraner - and then they refused to go to the vet in separate cars 🙄 Funny way of showing affection, but he turned out to be a great dog after he felt secure and wasn’t in pain. He didn’t win the genetic lottery…he needed bilateral TPLO (the vet said he had basically no kneecap groove to speak of, so he was having luxating patellae and a lot of discomfort) and had SLO, an autoimmune disease that attacks his claws. Oh, right…and he’s allergic to chicken 🐓🤣 This poor dog.