When a Good Samaritan heard strange, faint noises coming from a dumpster, it didn’t take long for them to realize the sounds were actually desperate cries from a dog in distress.
Without hesitation, they contacted the Tullahoma Animal Shelter and reported what they had discovered.
Rescuers David Reed and Chris Cabral quickly responded and rushed to the scene.
As soon as they peered inside the dumpster, their hearts sank.
A Gut-Wrenching Discovery
At the bottom of the bin, they spotted a small pup trapped inside a tightly tied white trash bag. The poor dog had stopped barking, barely able to breathe.
Fearing the worst, Reed and Cabral grabbed a net and carefully lifted the bag from the dumpster.
With urgency, they cut the bag open—and when they saw the pup lying motionless, they feared they hadn’t made it in time.
“[H]e was not moving, crying or barking. When he began to breathe, they immediately contacted one of our veterinarians in order to get him emergency care,” Cheryl Rhoads, Tullahoma Animal Shelter animal control manager, told The Dodo.
The little dog, later named Oscar, was immediately rushed to the vet. There, he received subcutaneous fluids, essential medications, and a much-needed grooming.
Oscar weighed just six pounds when he arrived. But after removing the heavy, matted fur covering his frail body, he was down to just four and a half pounds.
In the safety of a loving environment, Oscar slowly began to heal—both inside and out.
A New Beginning
Because Oscar’s case is now part of an ongoing investigation, he isn’t yet available for adoption, despite the many eager offers that have come in.
In the meantime, he’s thriving in a foster home, surrounded by people who are helping him recover and feel loved again.
And it’s clear—Oscar is embracing his second chance.
“Oscar has some sass to him. His favorite activity is to burrow up in blankets and sleep. He also likes to be held, but on his terms,” Rhoads shared.
Though he’s not a fan of his eye drops, ointments, or medicated cream for an infection, he adores his cozy naps and blanket burrows.
His rescuers are thrilled to see the once weak and unresponsive pup now full of spirit and joy, soaking up his new life with gratitude.
With time, Oscar’s case will be resolved, and he’ll be ready to find his forever family. And when that day comes, it’ll be one he truly deserves.
Good luck, Oscar—you’ve already come so far.
A Final Word
Sadly, Oscar’s story is not unique.
Far too many animals are cruelly dumped and left to fend for themselves.
But this should never be the case.
If you’re no longer able to care for your pet, please bring them to a local shelter.
Give them the chance at a better life.
They deserve that much.