On a morning near Sieradz, Poland, a German shepherd later identified as Kostek was found lying outdoors in mud and visibly unable to move normally. According to the rescue account shared by the Polish animal welfare organization DIOZ, the dog was extremely weak when members of the public came across him.

The people who found Kostek did not simply walk away. They remained near him while attempting to arrange help, recognizing that his condition appeared urgent. Their response reflects an important principle in animal welfare: a person who encounters an animal in apparent distress should contact local animal services, a rescue organization or an emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Hours passed before the report reached DIOZ, an animal-protection organization that responds to welfare concerns in Poland. The group’s account, later circulated through its social channels and a video shared by Dublin Shelter, described a rapid effort to transport Kostek for emergency veterinary assessment.

The Call That Reached DIOZ

DIOZ, formally known as Dolnośląski Inspektorat Ochrony Zwierząt, is an organization involved in animal welfare interventions and rescue work in Poland. In the account shared online, responders said they received a call concerning a dog in a very serious condition near the roadside and immediately traveled to assist.

When the team arrived, Kostek was reportedly exhausted and had difficulty holding his head up. He was carefully moved into the rescue vehicle and taken to a veterinary clinic for urgent care. In emergencies involving weak, cold or unresponsive animals, minimizing unnecessary handling while arranging professional assistance can be important. An injured or frightened dog may also react unpredictably, even when it is normally gentle.

Animal welfare groups around the world regularly emphasize the value of prompt reporting. In Poland, municipal authorities, veterinary clinics and registered animal organizations can play different roles depending on the situation. Elsewhere, organizations such as the RSPCA in the United Kingdom and local animal control services in the United States similarly encourage people to seek trained help when an animal’s health appears to be at immediate risk.

Kostek’s case also drew attention because strangers stayed with him while they searched for assistance. Their decision offered the dog company during an exceptionally difficult period and helped ensure that his condition was eventually reported to rescuers.

Emergency Veterinary Care for a Dog With Low Body Temperature

Veterinary staff determined that Kostek had a dangerously low body temperature, according to the rescue account. This condition is known as hypothermia. The PDSA explains that hypothermia occurs when an animal’s body temperature falls below a safe level, affecting normal body functions and potentially becoming life-threatening without veterinary treatment.

Dogs can become hypothermic after prolonged exposure to cold, wet or windy conditions. Puppies, senior dogs, small dogs, dogs with short coats and animals already affected by illness or poor nutrition may be especially vulnerable. However, any dog can develop hypothermia when environmental exposure is severe enough or when it is unable to find warmth and shelter.

Signs can vary, but may include shivering, weakness, slowed movement, lethargy, confusion and difficulty standing. In a serious situation, a dog may become less responsive. These signs require urgent professional guidance because they can also occur with other medical emergencies, including shock, poisoning, severe infection or internal disease.

At the clinic, Kostek was reportedly warmed gradually and given supportive treatment, including fluids and medication. Veterinary teams may use controlled warming methods, monitoring and diagnostic tests to understand the underlying cause of an animal’s condition. The precise treatment depends on the dog’s temperature, hydration, circulation, blood test results and any injuries or illnesses identified during examination.

The RSPCA cautions pet owners not to warm a hypothermic dog too quickly or place hot objects directly against the animal’s skin. Sudden or excessive heat can cause additional harm. A person waiting for veterinary advice can generally focus on moving the dog to a dry, sheltered setting, using dry blankets for gentle insulation and contacting an emergency veterinarian immediately. Professional instruction is especially important if the dog is weak, collapsed or not responding normally.

Dehydration and Anemia Can Make Recovery More Difficult

According to DIOZ’s account, Kostek was also severely dehydrated and anemic. Both conditions can leave a dog with very little energy and can complicate efforts to stabilize an already vulnerable animal.

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Water is essential for circulation, temperature regulation, digestion and normal organ function. A dehydrated dog may have dry gums, reduced skin elasticity, sunken-looking eyes, weakness or reduced urination, although symptoms alone cannot determine severity. A veterinarian may assess hydration through physical examination and laboratory testing.

Anemia means there are too few healthy red blood cells, or too little hemoglobin, to carry oxygen effectively around the body. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that anemic dogs may appear weak, listless or easily tired because their tissues are receiving less oxygen than they need. The causes of anemia are varied and can include blood loss, parasites, immune-related disease, infections, nutritional problems, toxin exposure or disorders affecting red blood cell production.

For that reason, anemia is not a diagnosis by itself but a finding that requires further investigation. Veterinarians may use blood tests to assess red blood cell levels and to look for clues about possible causes. Treatment can range from fluids, medication and nutritional support to more intensive care in cases where a dog’s condition is critical.

In Kostek’s case, rescuers described the situation as time-sensitive. The veterinary team continued to monitor him while providing emergency support. The account underscores why people should not assume an animal will recover merely by resting or being given food and water at home. A dog that cannot stand, has pale gums, seems unusually cold, is breathing abnormally or appears profoundly weak should be seen by a veterinarian without delay.

Kostek’s Final Hours and the Importance of Compassionate Response

Despite emergency treatment, Kostek died after reaching veterinary care, according to DIOZ’s account as reported in Polish media coverage. His death was a sad outcome for the people who found him, the rescuers who transported him and the veterinary professionals who attempted to stabilize him.

While the full circumstances preceding his rescue were not established in the material shared publicly, his story prompted a wider message about responsibility toward animals in need. Animals that are abandoned, lost, ill or exposed to harsh weather may not be able to seek help on their own. Timely intervention from members of the public can make a meaningful difference.

The people who stayed near Kostek did what they could with the information and resources available to them. They sought help and remained present until rescuers were able to take over. Their actions are a reminder that compassion is often practical: making a call, providing a safe distance from traffic, locating an emergency clinic or waiting with an animal until trained help arrives.

Animal welfare organizations frequently encourage communities to report suspected neglect or abandonment through appropriate official channels. It is also important not to confront a suspected owner or intervene in a potentially unsafe situation alone. Contacting police, local authorities, an animal welfare inspectorate or a recognized rescue organization can help ensure that reports are handled safely and lawfully.

What to Do if You Find a Dog in Distress

Finding an animal that appears sick, injured or severely cold can be distressing. The safest response is to remain calm, protect yourself and contact qualified help quickly. A frightened dog may bite if it feels threatened or is in pain, so approach slowly and avoid sudden movements.

If it is safe to do so, move the animal away from immediate dangers such as road traffic, deep water or severe weather. Do not force food, water or medication into the dog’s mouth, particularly if it is weak, unconscious or having trouble swallowing. Improper feeding can create additional risks.

Call a veterinary clinic, emergency animal hospital, local authority, police service or reputable rescue organization. Give clear details about the location, the dog’s appearance and its condition. If you can remain nearby safely, doing so may help rescuers locate the animal quickly and prevent it from wandering away.

For a dog that may be hypothermic, keep it dry and protected from wind while waiting for professional advice. Use blankets or towels as gentle insulation, but avoid direct heat sources such as heating pads, hot-water bottles or hair dryers unless a veterinarian specifically instructs otherwise. The goal is to prevent further heat loss without causing burns or overly rapid warming.

Kostek’s story is ultimately one of loss, but it is also a story about people choosing not to ignore suffering. The strangers who found him, the DIOZ responders who traveled to help and the veterinary team that provided care all played a part in ensuring he was not alone. Their actions offer a compassionate example of how communities can respond when an animal needs urgent assistance.