On an ordinary morning, while driving his child to school, a man noticed something heartbreaking on the side of the road—a severely emaciated pup lying helplessly, as if begging for someone to notice him.
The dog, later named Sugar Snap, was in desperate need of help. Without hesitation, the man stopped his car, scooped him up, and rushed to the nearest Chicago police station, hoping someone there would know what to do.
The officers quickly contacted the local shelter, reported the dog’s condition, and were advised to bring him into the care of Chicago Animal Care and Control. They gently placed him in their patrol car and drove him to safety.
A Difficult Path Toward Healing
After an initial evaluation, it was clear Sugar Snap required more specialized treatment, so he was transferred to One Tail at a Time, a Chicago-based rescue group.
The medical team soon realized how dire his condition really was. He was so weak that he couldn’t stand or walk on his own. Still, when they offered him food, his frail body perked up—it was a hopeful sign that this little fighter wasn’t ready to give up.
Thanks to donations from kindhearted supporters, Sugar Snap was able to begin intensive treatment. He received a lifesaving transfusion that boosted his vitals and gave him much-needed strength.
“His vet team is adding new meds to his treatment plan and continues to do everything they can for him while keeping him comfortable. He’s in excellent hands,” One Tail at a Time shared on Facebook.
Though he endured a rough night when his blood pressure and glucose levels suddenly dropped, his team responded immediately with an NG tube and another transfusion. Soon, he began to stabilize again.
“Some of his values dropped on Sunday which was alarming, so his veterinary team came up with a plan that included an NG tube and blood transfusion,” the rescue explained in an update.
Gradually, his condition improved. Once he gained enough strength, his feeding tube was removed. Sugar Snap’s determination shone through—he began eating on his own, gaining weight, and eventually taking his first wobbly steps.
After three weeks of care, he had made such incredible progress that the rescue decided he was ready for foster placement.
“Today, after three weeks, Sugar Snap left the emergency hospital walking on his own. He will go to foster with one of the veterinarians who treated him, where he will continue to get healthy and strong,” the rescue wrote on Facebook..
A New Beginning In A Loving Home
Settling into a warm, safe foster home, Sugar Snap was finally able to experience what it meant to be loved. Each day, his health improved, and his personality began to shine through.
“We’re celebrating two weeks in foster and happy to report he’s weighing in at nearly 34lbs, is more mobile than ever, and has even learned how to beg for food. Can you believe this is the same dog?!” the rescue marveled in another post.
Within a month, Sugar Snap had undergone a total transformation. He doubled his weight—from a skeletal 19 lbs to a healthy 40 lbs—and looked like a completely different dog.
His foster mom, who had been a part of his healing journey from the start, realized that her heart simply wouldn’t allow her to say goodbye. Instead, she made the decision to adopt him permanently.
Now, Sugar Snap has not only a forever family but also a couple of furry siblings to play with every day.
“Sugar now has a dog brother, Fitz, and a cat brother, Noodle. Not only is his mom a vet, but his dad too! We truly couldn’t have asked for a happier ending for this lucky Chicago stray,” One Tail at a Time concluded.
From a helpless pup on the side of the road to a cherished family member, Sugar Snap’s story is a shining reminder of resilience, love, and second chances.