One day, a passerby heard some unusual noises coming from a dumpster.
Curiosity piqued, they approached and quickly realized those sounds were the desperate cries of a dog in distress.
Without wasting any time, they reached out to the Tullahoma Animal Shelter to report what they found. Soon after, two dedicated rescuers, David Reed and Chris Cabral, were on their way to help.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
When David and Chris arrived at the scene, they peered into the dumpster and were met with a sight that shattered their hearts.
At the bottom of the dumpster lay a puppy, tightly wrapped in a white trash bag. The poor little pup was struggling to even breath and had stopped barking altogether.
Fearing the worst, the rescuers quickly grabbed a net and carefully pulled the bag out of the dumpster. With trembling hands, they cut open the bag, praying for good news.
But what they found made their hearts sink even further. “He was not moving, crying, or barking. When he began to breathe, they immediately contacted one of our veterinarians in order to get him emergency care,” said Cheryl Rhoads, animal control manager at Tullahoma Animal Shelter.
A Race Against Time
The puppy was named Oscar, and he was rushed to the vet as fast as possible. There, he received subcutaneous fluids and essential medications to stabilize him.
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He even got a much-needed haircut to remove all those painful mats that had formed on his tiny body. Initially weighing six pounds, Oscar’s weight dropped to just four and a half pounds after the grooming.
But thankfully, he was now in a safe environment where he could start healing.
A Fresh Start
As Oscar began to recover, his personality started to shine through.
Though he was still part of an ongoing investigation into his abandonment, he found himself in a loving foster home.
Despite numerous offers for adoption, Oscar wasn’t quite ready for that step yet. His foster family showered him with love and attention as he regained his strength.
“Oscar has some sass to him. His favorite activity is to burrow up in blankets and sleep. He also likes to be held, but on his terms,” Rhoads shared with a smile.
Finding Joy Again
Oscar may not have enjoyed taking his medicine—like eye ointment or cream for infection—but he loved snuggling into blankets for cozy naps.
His rescuers were overjoyed to see him transform from a fragile pup fighting for survival into a lively little guy enjoying life again.
It was heartwarming to witness such a dramatic turnaround. Everyone involved hoped that the investigation would wrap up soon so Oscar could find his forever home.
Good luck, Oscar!
A Call for Compassion
Sadly, Oscar isn’t alone in his story.
Many animals face abandonment every day, left to fend for themselves in harsh conditions.
This is not acceptable! If you find yourself unable to care for your furry friend anymore, please take them to your local shelter instead of leaving them behind.
Every pet deserves a second chance at life filled with love and care. Let’s work together to ensure that all animals have the opportunity for a happy ending like Oscar’s!
