Ruggles the tiny Shih-Tzu puppy was rescued from a puppy mill and then introduced to a new friend to signal a brand new beginning!
Ruggles the tiny Shih-Tzu puppy was rescued from a puppy mill and then introduced to a new friend to signal a brand new beginning. His unlikely pal, Chompers the kitten, was found alone under a porch when she was only two days old. Watch as they meet each other for the first time in the video below.
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Despite their rough starts to life, both Ruggles and Chompers are happy and healthy and were adopted into loving forever homes. Ruggles went on to become an official ambassador for the shelter that rescued him, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. He visits schools to help educate kids on shelter dogs and puppy mills. How sweet!
A note from YouTube on their adoptions: “For those wondering why they were not adopted together… that was the shelter’s original plan, but Chompers (true to her name!) became too rough with little Ruggles, and due to his health problems, it was determined that it was in both of the animals’ best interest to be adopted separately. They are both happy and very much loved!”
Neglected dog arrived at shelter nearly starved to death — now he’s living his best life
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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!
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