When longtime rescuer Lisa Reams, founder of Saving Grace Animal Rescue, got a call about a tiny puppy dumped in a dumpster in Yazoo City, Mississippi, she wasted no time heading out to find him.
But when she arrived, there was no sign of the little dog. She searched the area carefully, but he was nowhere to be found. Refusing to give up, Reams returned an hour later—this time spotting the pup huddled beside the dumpster.
He looked so small, weak, and alone, with no food or water in sight.
As Reams began speaking to him, the puppy (later named Oscar) grew frightened and tried to crawl under the dumpster to hide.
Rescuing Oscar
The rescuer gently scooped him up. Oscar whimpered and let out tiny growls, clearly unsure about being handled.
Reams’ heart ached for him. It was obvious he was malnourished and suffering from worms.
But in her arms, Oscar seemed to sense he was finally safe.
Not wanting to leave any other dogs behind, Reams carefully checked every dumpster in the area.
“… I did a thorough search of the area, looked inside the dumpsters, underneath the dumpsters with a flashlight, he was the only one here,” Reams said on TikTok.
She scanned him for a microchip, but none was found.
With Saving Grace Animal Rescue already at capacity, Reams reached out to Angie Young, founder of Southern Mutts in Greenwood, Mississippi. Young immediately agreed to take Oscar in and ensure he’d have a forever home once he was ready.
In the meantime, Reams decided to foster Oscar herself. She brought him home, gave him a good meal, and bathed away the dirt from his tiny body.
The following day, she took him to the vet for his first checkup. At about six weeks old, Oscar was diagnosed with hookworm and ringworm infections.
After receiving deworming treatment, Oscar returned home to rest and recover. Reams went back to the spot where she’d found him, hoping to locate his mother or siblings, but the search turned up nothing.
Oscar Begins To Thrive
Under Reams’ care, Oscar slowly started to adjust to his new surroundings.
At first, he was timid and nervous whenever she tried to pick him up. But with patience, love, and gentle care, his personality began to shine.
Soon, Oscar revealed himself to be a total cuddlebug who adored belly rubs.
His foster mom spoiled him with toys, and before long, he was happily learning how to play.
Oscar will remain with Reams until he’s fully recovered. Once he’s healthy and strong, he’ll begin the search for his forever family.
With his sweet nature and loving heart, there’s no doubt that Oscar will find someone who treasures him for the rest of his life.