Despite laws that punish animal abuse with felony penalties in nearly every state, cruelty toward animals remains a troubling problem in the U.S. In many cases, there is a disturbing link between animal abuse, child abuse, and family violence.
Studies show that abuse occurs in roughly 88% of households already under supervision for child abuse. This suggests that cruelty stems from the abuser’s character, not the victim’s identity.
One heartbreaking case of neglect took place in Shakopee, Minnesota, where an 11-week-old puppy was discovered inside a backpack that had been tossed into a dumpster behind an auto shop. By pure luck and the curiosity of a mechanic, the puppy was saved in time.
A Discovery That Changed Everything
RJ, a mechanic at Midas Auto Shop in Shakopee, Minnesota, never imagined he would become the focus of national headlines.
One morning at work, he heard noises coming from a dumpster nearby. Assuming it was a raccoon, he investigated. What he found instead left him speechless: a moving backpack, and inside it, a helpless puppy.
The tiny pup peeked out of the bag and locked eyes with RJ. In that instant, the mechanic felt his heart break. He lifted the trembling puppy from the trash and quickly called for help, notifying his coworkers and the local police.
“This sweet little guy was found this morning thrown out in a backpack placed in a dumpster. Thankfully, the team at Midas Auto Repair noticed something amiss and pulled him out,” the Shakopee Police Department shared.
The pup, later named Midas after his rescuers, had suffered abuse. He had a fractured jaw and a lung infection, but he was finally safe.
“My Heart Dropped”
Seeing the battered puppy up close left RJ shaken. The thought of anyone being capable of such cruelty devastated him.
“My heart dropped. This dog didn’t need any of that. How could you do that to this puppy? That’s heartless,” RJ told WCCO – CBS Minnesota.
Thankfully, the little one had been found just in time. Though frightened and traumatized, he was no longer in danger and could finally begin to heal.
The Community Rallies Behind Midas
The story of RJ’s rescue spread quickly, touching hearts across Minnesota. Support poured in from all directions.
“We couldn’t be more proud of RJ, a mechanic at our Shakopee shop, for coming to the rescue for a little pup after discovering him in a nearby dumpster,” Midas shared on Facebook.
According to Reed Styve, the shop owner, the number of calls he received about Midas far exceeded those about auto repairs. Many people wanted to donate money to help cover the pup’s care.
Locals even dropped off donuts and pizzas at the shop to thank RJ and the team for their compassion. Midas’ rescue soon gained nationwide attention, proving that one kind act can inspire countless others and even save a life.
Midas Finally Finds His Forever Home
Rumors spread that Midas may have been stolen, but no one ever came forward to claim him. RJ was willing to return him if proof had surfaced, but when it did not, he knew the pup was meant to stay with him.
Today, Midas lives happily with RJ, his family, and two other dogs.
“Midas now shares a home with two other dogs and they’ve all become besties who love to run and play in their back yard. Midas’s hobbies include chasing grasshoppers and following Dad around while he works on cars,” the Shakopee Police Department shared.
After surviving abuse and abandonment, the little pup is finally right where he belongs — surrounded by love in his forever home.