While driving through a rural part of Elloree, South Carolina, a couple spotted a snake crossing the road and quickly slowed down.
Moments later, out of the corner of their eye, they noticed a pair of ears poking up from the grass on the roadside.
The compassionate pair stopped abruptly and rushed over to help the small creature.
When they got closer, they saw it was a motionless puppy who looked as though he had already given up hope.
He was in terrible shape, completely bald and covered in mange. His thin body was stiff and frail. He urgently needed medical care.
Rescuing The Helpless Pup
The couple scooped him up and brought him to Orangeburg County Animal Control and Shelter.
Because the shelter was already full, they posted on Facebook asking for a rescue to take him in.
The pup was extremely ill and too weak to stand.
Thankfully, Labor of Love Transport Rescue responded and offered to care for him.
A volunteer from the rescue agreed to foster the puppy and quickly went to pick him up.
Just five minutes from home, a sudden storm rolled in with loud thunder.
Once at the rescue in Greenville, South Carolina, the staff decided to name him Baby Thunder.
He was taken to a veterinary hospital where doctors confirmed he had a severe case of mange. His condition was so critical they were unsure if he would survive.
Baby Thunder was given immediate treatment. The veterinarians worked hard to stabilize him, and eventually, he began to improve.
Fighting His Way Back To Health
His foster family welcomed him into their home, giving him constant care and encouraging him to keep fighting.
Fortunately, Baby Thunder proved to be a fighter and refused to give up.
During his first week, he slept most of the time. His foster family fed him every four hours and bathed him with medicated shampoo.
Too weak to walk, he crawled around the house.
Westie, one of the resident dogs, began playing with him.
Although Baby Thunder was nervous and unsure, Westie seemed to understand he needed a friend and stayed by his side.
After two weeks, his health started to improve, and his skin condition began to heal.
With time, he continued to get stronger and began walking more often.
Two months after his rescue, patches of beautiful fur began growing back.
He often played with Westie, who had become his best friend.
Finding The Forever Home He Always Wanted
When his health was fully restored and his fur had returned, Baby Thunder was ready to find a permanent home.
A loving family instantly fell in love with him and welcomed him into their lives.
When he first moved in, he was shy and would hide in bushes during walks.
Over time, he realized his new family truly cared for him and began to open up.
His happy, playful side emerged, filling the home with joy.
Now, Baby Thunder enjoys every moment of his life. He loves going on adventures and cuddling with his humans and his dog sisters, Kala and Koda.