A dog’s capacity to bring joy often contrasts sharply with the harsh treatment they sometimes endure.
Sadly, abuse and abandonment of dogs still occur frequently, as seen firsthand by New York’s Animal Sanctuary staff.
Yet, even they weren’t prepared for the discovery two young women made under the Manhattan Bridge.
The women found an abandoned dog in a dire state beneath the bridge and quickly brought him to the shelter, where his appearance left the staff stunned. Severely malnourished and barely able to stand, it was uncertain if he would survive.
Despite his fragile condition, the team was committed to helping him recover, wrapping him in warm blankets before bringing him into the shelter.
Nicole Chan, Animal Haven’s marketing and communications director, recalled the heartbreaking scene, sharing with The Dodo, “We put him on the floor and looked at him, and you could see the sadness in everyone’s eyes.”
Though extremely weak, the dog—later named Timmy—showed signs of life, moving around slightly, which gave the team hope for his recovery.
Timmy was rushed to an emergency vet, where his severe malnutrition and other signs of mistreatment, including apparent cigarette burns, were confirmed.
Further tests revealed that Timmy was also battling pneumonia, adding to the urgency of his medical care.
The shelter shared his story on Facebook, where supporters quickly rallied, contributing funds for his treatment.
After spending 36 days in the hospital, Timmy was finally discharged, though he still had a long road ahead. He received a warm welcome back at the shelter but didn’t stay there long.
A foster arrangement was arranged with a woman named Alison, who immediately formed a strong bond with Timmy.
She described how Timmy quickly grew attached to her, saying, “He wouldn’t leave my side and always stayed close.”
Under Alison’s care, Timmy’s health and spirit rebounded more quickly than anticipated. His emotional recovery was evident as he blossomed into a happy, affectionate companion, radiating newfound positivity.
After three weeks, Alison knew she couldn’t part with Timmy. His “foster fail” became official, and he was adopted, marking a joyful new chapter for them both.
Alison commemorated the adoption by visiting Animal Haven with Timmy, where the staff was thrilled to see the incredible transformation he’d undergone.
In a final Facebook post, the shelter thanked everyone who helped make Timmy’s recovery possible, noting, “Working in animal rescue can be tough, but it’s incredibly rewarding. When we see animals like Timmy thrive, it makes every challenge worth it.”
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