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!“
When we noticed the ailing dog pleading with onlookers for assistance with the massive tumor that was causing him such agony that he had to collapse, we became very alarmed
Meet Mixi, a brave dog who had been suffering from a massive tumor under his chest for a long time. The tumor was so large that it hung down and touched the ground when he moved, causing him immense discomfort. Desperate for help, Mixi went near a car, hoping to find someone who could assist him.
Fortunately, kind-hearted individuals came to his rescue and took him to a veterinary hospital to receive treatment. The pictures taken before the surgery showed the extent of the tumor, which was heavy and had broken through the skin, leaving a gaping hole. But thanks to the successful surgery, the tumor was completely removed, giving Mixi a new lease on life.
After the surgery, Mixi was brought back to his home, where he eagerly awaited the arrival of his owner, a woman wearing a blue shirt. He seemed to have a lot to say to her, and his excitement was palpable. His owner was emotional and grateful to the people who had saved her beloved dog’s life. She expressed her heartfelt thanks and appreciation for giving Mixi a chance at a happy and healthy life.
Despite still needing care and medication for the healing process, Mixi’s owner was hopeful that he would fully recover and not have any further health issues. She shared her story, describing the pitiful state Mixi was in before the surgery and how she had feared that he might not survive. However, she now believed in miracles as she saw Mixi’s remarkable progress.
Mixi’s owner expressed her deep gratitude to the kind-hearted individuals who had helped her dog and gave him a second chance. She thanked them from the bottom of her heart and looked forward to a brighter future with Mixi by her side, now able to run freely and enjoy life to the fullest.
Mixi’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the incredible resilience and strength of animals and the transformative power of compassion and care. It is a testament to the dedication of veterinary professionals and the kindness of strangers who stepped forward to help an innocent animal in need. With a bright future ahead of him, Mixi’s journey is a true testament to the unwavering bond between humans and their furry companions, and a story of hope and healing that will inspire many.
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