Some animals arrive at shelters in heartbreaking condition, but with a little love their lives can totally turn around.
That was the case for one neglected dog, who was found nearly starving to death, but in the weeks since has been making incredible strides.
In September, the South Suburban Humane Society, in Illinois, took in a severely emaciated dog named Pumpkin. He was first found by a local resident who thought he was dying and brought him to the police.
Emily Klehm, CEO of the South Suburban Humane Society, told Newsweek that while they rescue many dogs, Pumpkin’s was an “extreme case” that left them speechless. “He was severely emaciated and unable to walk,” she said.
Photos show how unbelievably thin the dog was — it’s a miracle he survived at all.
Vets administered fluids and shaved his matted fur. Despite the rough start, he started to perk up and went into foster care with one of the shelter employees.
“Thankfully, we got him into foster care, where he is starting to improve and stand on his own again,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “His journey is still long, but we are incredibly proud of him so far.”
Updates from the shelter show the remarkable improvement Pumpkin has made in just a short time. While he was unable to stand when they first found him, he can now walk around the yard on his own, wagging his tail
“This little man is so strong and getting better every single day,” the shelter wrote.
Though he’s still visibly thin, he has been slowly regaining weight. “This little man is progressing, and we cannot wait to see how much more he continues to improve!” South Suburban Humane Society wrote.
Pumpkin’s backstory is still unclear, but the shelter says he will be placed up for adoption once he gets medical clearance.
“Pumpkin will need a home that understands that he was severely neglected,” Klehm told Newsweek. “He doesn’t know how to be a dog, so everything from leash walking to toys are all new experiences for him. An experienced dog family would be best.”
In the meantime, he’s doing well and loves his foster home.
It’s heartbreaking that Pumpkin was neglected for so long, but we’re so glad he’s doing well and regaining weight — we hope he finds a forever home soon when he’s ready!
Please share this story if you love dogs!
He Laid Dying, Stuck On Side Of Road But Soon His Past Would No Longer Haunt Him
Alex was ready to give up. He was severely malnourished, dehydrated, and exhausted, and maggots infested his wounds.He was on his deathbed. The worst part was that he was stuck in a remote location on the side of a road, with no way of escaping on his own.
He was stuck because he wore a collar with a long chain. To make matters worse, he was completely indistinguishable from the road. He had only a remote chance of being rescued in time.
But little did he know that his life was about to improve dramatically and that his past would no longer haunt him. A person named Alex (after whom the pup is named) noticed the fading pup while cleaning the area.
He immediately sought help from the Feed Friends Foundation, a local animal rescue. They agreed to take him in and found him a wonderful foster home in Alle Hadoc to care for him while he recovered physically and mentally.
His road to recovery would be long and difficult, but neither Alex nor his supporters would give up. He met new dogs and kitties at his foster home who showed him the ropes and helped him along the way. Alex was a wonderful dog who adored every animal he encountered.
Alex began to heal from the inside out as time passed. The wound on his body and the one on his heart both healed. He found a loving forever home after fully healing and is currently enjoying his second shot at life!
Watch his rescue and makeover in the video below:
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