Bruno, trapped in a well for 27 days, is going home

After 22 days in the hospital, Bruno, a seven-year-old chocolate lab is ready to go home. His family couldn’t be happier.

“He was pretty rough looking, but everyday he got better so we had hope and it’s remarkable seeing him here today. He’s just so happy, his tail is wagging and he has his personality back again,” owner John Billesberger said.

He found Bruno at the bottom of a well on the family’s farm near Estevan, 27 days after he went missing. Bruno survived only on melting snow and rain, losing over 40 pounds.

READ MORE: Dog trapped in Sask. well for 27 days showing strong will to live: vet school

Initially, Bruno was rushed to a local vet clinic, but when his recovery took a turn for the worse he was transferred to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan.

“Just waiting to see if he lived through the night. It was just a huge sense of relief that he had made it another day,” owner Cindy Billesberger said.

Bruno was monitored 24 hours a day and worked with nutritionists, rehabilitation therapists and surgeons to beat the “slim to none” odds of survival.

“There’s very few cases like this, they’re actually working on writing up this case so people can learn from his case,” Dr. Douglas Freeman, dean of the WCVM, said.

“He never would have survived, they’re Bruno’s heroes we are so grateful,” Cindy said.

READ MORE: Dog survives 27 days alone trapped in water well near Sask. family farm

Bruno’s story has gained international attention, everyone hoping for him to pull through.

“He was in a U.K. and Russian paper it’s just been unbelievable,” she said.

“We can’t thank people enough for all that they’ve done and the staff here, we’re very thankful.”

Vets say Bruno isn’t in the clear yet, he’s going to need physiotherapy several times a day, wound treatment and supervised feeding.

But for now Bruno’s just excited for the car ride home and to play outside with his two siblings, Esme and Luna.