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Withered Dog That Had To Be Carted Around Emerges As A ‘True Beauty’

By: Julie Hunt
Julie Hunt is an avid dog lover and writer for iHeartDogs.com, and has a background as a veterinary technician. She rescued a beautiful former bait dog named Rory.Read more
| March 14, 2024

Dogs have the incredible ability to fill our lives with immense joy, making it unfathomable how some individuals can treat these defenseless animals with such cruelty. Unfortunately, neglect, abuse, and abandonment are realities that dogs face daily. The staff at Animal Haven, a shelter in New York, are no strangers to such cases, yet they were unprepared for what was about to come their way. Two young women discovered a dog abandoned under the Manhattan Bridge and swiftly brought him to the shelter. The sight of the dog left the staff in utter disbelief.

The Dodo/Facebook

He was severely malnourished and in a dire state, casting doubt on his chances of survival. Nonetheless, the team resolved to ensure this dog found his way to a brighter future. Before arriving at Animal Haven, the compassionate girls had wrapped him in warm blankets, a testament to the kindness still present in the world. Beyond their initial act of kindness, the care of the dog was entrusted to the dedicated hands of Animal Haven’s staff and volunteers.

The Dodo/Facebook

Named Timmie, the dog was skin and bones yet began to show signs of mobility. This resilience surprised the shelter staff but also filled them with hope that Timmie would not give up easily. An emergency vet visit confirmed the grim reality of Timmie’s condition, indicating signs of prolonged abuse and neglect. The prognosis required Timmie to remain under medical care for at least a month.

Timmie’s journey to recovery was slow but steady. He was supported by exceptional veterinarians, the shelter’s caring staff, and generous donors who contributed to his medical expenses. After 36 days in the hospital, Timmie was discharged, marking the beginning of his recovery journey, though he still had a long way to go.

Returning to Animal Haven, Timmie was greeted warmly but didn’t stay long at the shelter. His story, shared on Facebook, attracted numerous adoption applications, with Allison emerging as the ideal match. In her care, Timmie not only improved physically but also began to heal emotionally, regaining his joyous spirit.

The Dodo/Facebook

Timmie’s life took a positive turn, and after spending several weeks with Allison, he officially became a “foster fail.” On the day of adoption, Allison brought Timmie back to Animal Haven, where the staff were ecstatic to see how far he had come. They were immensely proud of the transformation he had undergone since the day he was brought in.

To see Timmie’s journey, play the video below. We are beyond grateful for this rescue and happy ending.

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