National

Puppy is like ‘different dog’ after shelter saves him from dire situation. See him now

Freddy got the help he desperately needed.
Freddy got the help he desperately needed. Video screen grab from PAWS Chicago Facebook reel

A puppy in Illinois is proving that resilience — and love — is a key to survival after he was found in critical condition outside an animal shelter.

When Freddy was only 3-months-old, he was discovered right outside the Chicago Animal Care and Control Center in a carrier and a team was quick to jump into action after discovering he was in horrible shape.

“He was critically dehydrated, underweight, and lethargic, but also covered in maggots under his matted fur,” PAWS Chicago said in a Aug. 19 Facebook reel. Video shows Freddy’s transformation from a sleepy and sick ball of fur, to a loving, happy little guy who cherishes belly rubs and laps to crawl into.

“Our team rushed him back to PAWS where he was in critical care for a week,” the reel’s caption says.

“Over that week, (the care provided) would end up being an IV, a feeding tube, nebulizer treatment, a plasma transfusion and a blood transfusion.”

The transformation is completely heartwarming.

“Today, he’s a completely different dog!” the post continued. “To see him beg for belly rubs and wag that tail now is the whole reason we do this work.”

The PAWS Chicago post has 1,700 likes and has been shared 126 times as of Aug. 20.

“He is beautiful and deserves a lifetime of belly rubs,” one person said in the comment section.

“OMG, he is what rescue is all about!” another said.

Freddy’s exact breed was not shared by the shelter.

For more information on Freddy and other adoptable pets, visit the PAWS Chicago website.

Read Next
Read Next

This story was originally published August 20, 2024 at 11:08 AM with the headline "Puppy is like ‘different dog’ after shelter saves him from dire situation. See him now."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER