Animal cruelty laws exist in nearly every state, yet abuse remains a serious and persistent problem in the United States. Many cases occur behind closed doors, often connected to larger issues within the household.
Studies indicate that in nearly 88 percent of homes monitored for child abuse, animals are also mistreated. This pattern shows that the cruelty comes from the abuser, not the species being harmed.
One painful example unfolded in Shakopee, Minnesota, when an 11-week-old puppy was discovered inside a backpack that had been thrown into a dumpster behind an auto shop. What happened next changed the course of his life.
A Shocking Find Behind The Auto Shop
RJ, a mechanic at Midas Auto Shop in Shakopee, Minnesota, arrived for work expecting a normal morning. While going about his routine, he noticed faint noises coming from the dumpster outside.
He assumed a raccoon had gotten inside, but he went to check anyway.
When he opened the lid, he froze. A backpack was shifting on its own. He unzipped it and uncovered a terrified puppy curled inside.
The tiny dog lifted his head and looked at RJ, and in that moment the mechanic understood he needed immediate help. He removed the trembling pup from the dumpster and alerted his coworkers before calling the 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 puppy, soon named Midas, had injuries that revealed the cruelty he had endured. He suffered a broken jaw and a lung infection, but he was finally safe.
A Community Moved By Compassion
Seeing the young dog’s condition left RJ deeply upset. The idea that someone could deliberately harm such a small animal stayed with 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.
Though Midas had clearly been through significant trauma, he was rescued in time. His recovery would require medical care and patience, but his life was no longer at risk.
News of the rescue spread rapidly throughout Minnesota, and the overwhelming response surprised everyone at the shop.
“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 the shop owner, Reed Styve, the phone rang nonstop. The number of calls about Midas far outnumbered calls about auto repairs. People offered donations to help cover veterinary bills, and many dropped off treats and food to thank the team for their kindness.
Before long, the story reached national audiences. Midas became a symbol of how a single compassionate choice can ripple outward and inspire others.
A New Life With A Loving Family
There were early rumors that Midas might have been stolen, but no one stepped forward with proof. RJ had been willing to return him if the situation had been legitimate, yet when no claims appeared, he realized the puppy was meant to stay with him.
Now, Midas lives happily with RJ, his family, and their 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 facing abuse and abandonment, Midas is finally where he belongs, surrounded by people who value him and give him the life he always deserved.