Neglected dog arrived at shelter nearly starved to death — now he’s living his best life


Neglected Dog Finds Hope and Healing at South Suburban Humane Society

In a heartwarming tale of resilience, a severely malnourished dog named Pumpkin, discovered on the brink of death, has been making incredible strides since his arrival at the South Suburban Humane Society in Illinois.

A Miraculous Rescue

In September, Pumpkin was found in a pitiful state by a concerned local resident who feared for his life and promptly brought him to the police. Emily Klehm, the CEO of the South Suburban Humane Society, described Pumpkin's case as "extreme," leaving the rescuers speechless. The dog was not only severely emaciated but also incapable of walking.

Road to Recovery



Upon arrival at the shelter, veterinarians provided Pumpkin with essential fluids and groomed his matted fur. Despite the grim initial conditions, he began to show signs of improvement and was placed in foster care with a compassionate shelter employee.

The shelter shared on Facebook, "Thankfully, we got him into foster care, where he is starting to improve and stand on his own again. His journey is still long, but we are incredibly proud of him so far."

Remarkable Progress



Updates from the shelter documented Pumpkin's remarkable transformation. Initially unable to stand, he now independently roams the yard, joyfully wagging his tail. The shelter expressed admiration, saying, "This little man is so strong and getting better every single day."

Although Pumpkin remains visibly thin, he has been steadily regaining weight. The South Suburban Humane Society shared, "This little man is progressing, and we cannot wait to see how much more he continues to improve!"

Unknown Past, Bright Future



While Pumpkin's backstory remains unclear, the shelter intends to put him up for adoption once he receives medical clearance. Klehm emphasized the need for an understanding home, stating, "Pumpkin will need a home that understands that he was severely neglected. He doesn't know how to be a dog, so everything from leash walking to toys are all new experiences for him."

In the interim, Pumpkin is thriving in his foster home, experiencing love and care that he likely never knew before. Despite the heart-wrenching neglect he endured, the resilient pup is on the path to a brighter future.

A Call for Compassion

Pumpkin's story serves as a reminder of the resilience of animals and the transformative power of love. As he continues to progress, the South Suburban Humane Society hopes that Pumpkin will soon find a forever home filled with understanding and patience. Share this heartening story to spread the love for dogs and inspire compassion for animals in need.

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