It may be hard to watch this viral video that shows the harsh reality of animal neglect. Harold was skin and bone when he was found wandering the streets in North Oshawa in Ontario, Canada. But now is thriving and just like any other puppy—thanks to his foster carer.
Kayleigh McGovern, a volunteer and team member at Oshawa Animal Services, decided to look after the emaciated dog who was too weak to even walk back in July. She documented his progress and shared a slideshow of images on her TikTok page.
Kathy Pittman-Feltham, the shelter manager told Newsweek: “Harold quickly captured all of our hearts and we were rooting for him to get healthy and find his forever home.”
In the viral video that has 791,800 views, @kayleigh_mcgovern added on-screen text to explain each image. She stated he spent the first three days in bed and he didn’t have the strength to empty his bladder.
She wrote: “We shared many cuddles, watched lots of shows, and most importantly he got lots of rest.”
One image shows Harold’s skeletal body as the on-screen text explains: “This picture is still so jarring to look at. He was examined at the vet for possible causes of his emaciation. The vets concluded the only thing wrong with him was that he was essentially starving to death.”
After a few days of tender love and care, Harold started to feel stronger and became playful. Now four months on, he is just like any other puppy.
Pittman-Feltham told Newsweek: “Kayleigh helped nurse him back to health and he was then adopted by a member of the community who is a second-time adopter from us.
“He is doing phenomenal and is the perfect picture of health.”
Harold’s remarkable transformation has touched the hearts of thousands of TikTok users. But sadly, his situation wasn’t a rare case.
Each year 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
Pittman-Feltham told Newsweek: “We see many sad cases come through our doors and the team is always excited to be a part of the next chapter in their story as most times we don’t have any information on their past.
“We are hoping Harold’s story shines a light on the many cases across the rescue world that need our help.
“Fostering saves lives and Harold is a perfect example of that!“
The poignant and forgotten tale of the abandoned dog on the bridge elicits sympathy from all who hear it.
The poor dog was in dire need of help! Someone had left him tied up on the street, and then disappeared. Several cars drove by, one after another, but none stopped to help. They all seemed to notice the distressed animal, but none were willing to take responsibility for him, whether it was giving him a new home or simply setting him free from his bonds.
The severity of the situation is evident as the dog’s life is being restricted to the point of death due to the tightness of the leash. The poor animal was paralyzed by fear, sitting on the edge and trembling while tears streamed down its face.
This puppy is barely a month old and it’s heartbreaking to think that someone could abandon him so cruelly. The people who did this are truly despicable and should be held accountable for their actions. No creature deserves to be treated with such callousness and inhumanity. It’s only a matter of time before karma catches up to them and they face the consequences for the pain they’ve inflicted on this innocent pup.
A kind-hearted individual stumbled upon him and decided to take him in. They gave him a thorough clean-up, washing away any traces of dirt and the pain he had endured in the past.
Lancy is all set for her next adventure after being vaccinated and given the necessary vitamins. She’s in good health and stable.
Though there may be challenges, Lancy can count on having a supportive network of individuals. Lancy values affection and will reciprocate the love he receives from others.
Spread the word about this story to your loved ones! Also, make sure to send Lancy your heartfelt greetings!
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