A rescue organization received a distressing call about a man allegedly mistreating his dogs. When the rescuers arrived, they were shocked by the terrible conditions both the dogs and their living environment were in. Among the pack, one in particular stood out—a thin, malnourished dog wearing an extremely heavy chain. The chain was so burdensome that it visibly weighed the poor dog down. Despite her dire circumstances, this dog greeted the rescuer with a wagging tail as though she was asking for help. She seemed genuinely happy to see the rescuers as if sensing they were there to save her.
This dog had given birth a few months earlier, and her puppies were nearby, joyfully running and playing in the yard. The rescuers, experienced in handling such cases, knew they needed to approach the man carefully. They believed that it would be in the dogs’ best interest if the owner voluntarily surrendered them rather than going through a lengthy legal process involving the authorities.
After a bit of conversation, the man finally agreed to give up the three puppies. The rescuers gently placed the puppies in the back of their SUV, closing the trunk once they were safely inside. However, when they inquired about taking the mother dog, the man firmly refused to hand her over.
One of the seasoned rescuers, quick-witted and kind, decided to keep the conversation going. She began to compliment the man on how he was taking care of the dogs, subtly encouraging him to trust her. She then asked if, since the mother dog couldn’t leave with them, he would at least let her sleep in the garage, especially with the colder weather approaching. She even offered to provide a cozy bed for the dog. The man’s response was unexpected and heartwarming.
Although the situation was far from ideal, the rescuers knew that confronting the man aggressively wouldn’t help the animals. They realized that handling the situation with kindness would yield better results for the dogs’ well-being. Because of the woman’s upbeat demeanor, the man said: “Open the car [door]….” meaning the mother dog could go with them too. While there was no guarantee this man would change his tune, the rescuer felt it was worth the try.
He was severely malnourished, with his body wasting away. His matted hair had accumulated not only urine, but also feces, leaving him with painful open wounds.
She said, “It pays to be kind,” a sentiment that truly saved a life that day. Her gentle approach and those of the other rescuers taught a valuable lesson about patience and understanding, even in challenging situations. To see the rescue unfold and what happens next, click ‘play’ on the video below.
Toledo, United States.
