Reduced to skin and bones, abandoned dog ate trash to survive — 2 months after rescue, she outgrew her human siblings

When the rescue team finally arrived, they expected the dog to be scared or defensive. Instead, she welcomed them.

PUBLISHED 1 DAY AGO

(L) A skinny dog drinking water from the road. (R) A young girl hugging her pet dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Ahamed Fayaz, (R) FatCamera)

Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. A recent story shared by The Dodo on March 5, 2025, reminded viewers just how powerful compassion and community can be. When a severely emaciated dog was spotted picking through leftovers in a quiet neighborhood, it was immediately clear she had been on her own for far too long. So thin she was barely holding together, the abandoned pup was clinging to life until a group of concerned neighbors and local rescuers stepped in to help.

Weak dog sleeping in the street. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | mtreasure) — Weak dog sleeping on the street. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | mtreasure)

The dog had been left behind by her owners, alone for months with no food or proper shelter. With no one to care for her, she was forced to survive by digging through trash. “By the time we got there, she was just skin and bone,” said Rachael from the rescue group Sidewalk Specials. “She was going through trash, looking for anything she could eat.” Thankfully, the people living nearby noticed her struggle. “The neighbors, bless them, have been throwing food across to her, putting water down for her, which was the reason she was still alive,” Rachael added.

A skinny dog standing on the road. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | schankz)

When the rescue team finally arrived, they expected the dog to be scared or defensive. Instead, she welcomed them. “She wasn't scared of us, I think she was just relieved to see somebody,” Rachael shared. “I think she knew we were her lifeline.” That moment marked the beginning of her recovery. With care, food, and medical attention, she slowly started to gain strength. The team ensured she was safe, and it was not long before she found a loving forever home and family.

Dog at animal shelter. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | John Kevin)

Just two months later, her transformation was remarkable. The rescue's video captured her before and after, from a starving stray to a healthy, happy companion. “She lives like a full life now,” Rachael said proudly. “She never is left alone, she never has to wonder if her family are coming back for her again.” Her new family adores her. “The family couldn’t have asked for a better dog, she couldn’t have asked for a better family,” Rachael added. “She has risen above everything and gotten the home she deserves. And the family have opened their home and been blessed with the dog they needed.”

A family with their pet dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | NoSystem Images)

While the adorable dog was able to get a second chance at life thanks to the rescue team, countless others still face neglect and abandonment. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered animal shelters and rescue organizations in 2024.

Thankfully, many individuals also extend a helping hand by adopting. In 2024, around 4.2 million shelter animals found loving homes, including approximately 2 million dogs who became part of families across the country. Yet the need remains enormous. According to another report by The Dogster, about 70 million dogs and cats are living without homes. Many pet owners who surrender their pets say they would not have done so if they had access to pet-friendly housing and affordable veterinary care.

For more animal content, subscribe to @TheDodo on YouTube.