Hank was just an 8-month-old puppy when a caring passerby found him abandoned in the woods, though his behavior didn’t resemble that of a typical energetic pup. Rather than bounding through the trees with youthful curiosity, Hank sat motionless on a discarded dog bed, as if waiting for something—or someone—to help him. Surrounded by a few of his old toys and an unopened bag of dog food he couldn’t access, Hank’s eyes reflected his desperate situation.
The Good Samaritan who found him knew right away that the young dog needed immediate assistance and contacted a nearby animal shelter. Shelter staff quickly arrived to rescue him, concerned that Hank might react fearfully or aggressively, given the survival instincts he’d likely developed during his time alone.
However, to their relief, Hank showed nothing but affection. “From the moment they reached him, he was full of love,” shared Rosa Fond, founder of Humans and Animals United, in an interview with The Dodo. “Everyone who meets him says he’s the sweetest dog.” Once rescued, Hank was rushed to the vet, where an alarming discovery was made—his leg had been broken for over two weeks. This painful injury explained why he hadn’t moved from the bed in the woods; every step must have been excruciating.
Due to the severity of his condition, Hank needed urgent surgery, so the shelter contacted Humans and Animals United for assistance. Fond didn’t hesitate, agreeing immediately to take him under their care and ensure he got the treatment he required.
Hank was taken to a local veterinary hospital, where he’s currently staying as he prepares for the surgery that will change his life. For now, his caregivers are focused on helping him gain some weight before the procedure. In the meantime, Hank is thriving on the attention and affection he receives from the veterinary staff, who shower him with love and cuddles daily.
Since Humans and Animals United shared Hank’s story on their Facebook page, interest in adopting him has surged. However, Fond emphasized that the search for his perfect home is still ongoing. “He has a bit of a journey ahead of him before he’s ready for adoption,” she explained. “But the important thing is that he’s safe now, and he’ll never suffer again.”
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Hank may have endured a lot in his short life, but thanks to the kindness of strangers and his new support network, he’s on the path to a brighter future, where only love and happiness await him.
UPDATE: Hank has found his forever home with a wonderful family. Here’s to a life filled with love and tons of treats!
Toledo, United States.
