No dog should ever endure such hardship, yet far too many suffer neglect and cruelty that leave them broken in body and spirit.
Harry, a six-month-old pup from Lawrenceville, Virginia, experienced this all too well.
He arrived at Brunswick Animal Control in terrible shape… his skin raw with mange, his body ravaged by worms, and each passing day brought him more agony. Just when it seemed he might give up entirely, fate intervened.
One frigid morning, a kind-hearted officer discovered Harry shivering on a cold concrete floor, scarcely covered by a tattered blanket.
Believing he was beyond help, they nonetheless carried him inside, only to find that beneath his bruised, bloodied exterior beat the strong heart of a survivor.
Getting Used To Life In Foster Home
Because of his mange, Harry had to remain quarantined away from the other dogs.
The shelter reached out to Beagles and Bentleys, a foster-based rescue in Richmond, asking them to take him in.
Their team stepped up, and foster mom McKenzie welcomed Harry into her home.
Seeing how sparse his fur was, she understood he’d been overlooked for far too long. Terrified, he couldn’t even bring himself to walk on her floors.
Her first priority, though, was reducing his dangerously high fever.
“He also has a high fever fighting off his terrible infections. Additionally, he is anemic from his severe worm infestation.” Beagles and Bentleys wrote in a Facebook post.
McKenzie administered all his medications, but Harry seemed defeated, holed up in his pen, too frightened to come out.
Bit by bit, she began earning his trust, spending hours by his side so he’d grow accustomed to her presence.
Four days later, his fever finally broke. Ecstatic, McKenzie gave him his first soothing bath.
From then on, she lavished him with gentle care and affection. Gradually, Harry started emerging from his shell.
Love Heals Harry’s Broken Heart
At last, he looked at her with warmth and gratitude. Experiencing love for the first time, he soaked up every comforting moment McKenzie offered.
Once his fear melted away, Harry’s true personality shone: he wagged his tail nonstop and performed his signature tippy-taps, reveling in life’s simple joys.
Gradual healing saw his skin mend and soft new fur sprout across his shoulders, back, and head.
Two months later, he stood completely restored, ready to search for a forever home that would shower him with love and security.
Harry’s wish came true when a caring family spotted him online and immediately fell for his gentle spirit.
A loving family searching for a dog spotted him and fell head over heels. They welcomed him into a home filled with care and laughter.
Harry blossomed, leaving his painful past behind and greeting each day with a bright new spirit.
Thank you to everyone who aided Harry’s journey. Like all forgotten pups, he deserved this second chance.