Some animal cruelty cases go beyond my reasoning. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, another cruel case of abuse and neglect surfaces, and my heart breaks again.
This time, it was Daytona, a helpless pup not just discarded in the trash, but left to perish in a compactor in Daytona Beach. Truly devastating!
He was only minutes away from being fatally injured when Brandon Arroyo, a Wildlife Conservation Commission officer from Florida, received a call that left him shocked to the core. Fortunately, it was a call that changed Daytona’s entire life for the better!
Cruel Act Of Abandonment
Upon receiving the call, Brandon and his wife, Heather, immediately rushed to the spot.
“My husband received a courtesy call from a resident in our apartment complex that a dog had been dumped in the trash compactor on site. We rushed down immediately to help out, and Brandon was able to recover him safely,” Heather shared via GoFundMe.
At first, the couple assumed the pup ended up in the compactor by accident. Then, they made a heartbreaking realization.
In order to get inside, Daytona would’ve had to open the door and jump almost five feet, which left the couple with only one possible scenario: he was intentionally left there by a person.
Brandon spent some time trying to befriend the dog. He offered him snacks and gentle words as a comfort, and soon enough, Daytona, the dog named by the place he was found, started to trust him.
The couple successfully rescued Daytona and brought him home. Thanks to the Pet Rescue By Judy shelter, they managed to take him in on a foster basis.
However, just taking care of Daytona wasn’t enough. This extremely malnourished and dehydrated pup needed medical support, which is why Heather and Brandon decided to start a fundraiser to help the dog recover.
“It appears his rear end is in need of medical attention, as he can walk, but with great difficulty. I’m sure this will involve X-rays and potentially surgery,” Heather added.
Daytona’s Second Chance
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in Daytona’s case, it’s no different.
Thanks to the extensive support of the Florida community (including the Daytona Beach Police Department) and the people who donated via GoFundMe, this brave pup is already on his way to a full recovery.
The couple has already collected most of the funding needed for Daytona’s medical bills. And the support just keeps coming his way!
“I am blown away by this! 92% of the way to our goal! Thank you so much to all! This boy is going to have the best life,” Heather shared in a Facebook post.
According to Heather, Daytona is a mild-mannered and gentle dog who’s just happy to get a second chance at life. After all the trouble in the past, he’s finally on his way to happiness. And he couldn’t be more grateful!
He’s already taking on life like the genuinely happy-go-lucky pup he is. And he has the best doggo sibling, Dixie!
Hopefully, this is only the beginning of his wonderful journey.
Happy life, Daytona!
And a big thank you to your amazing pawrents!