Dog abuse is an epidemic in the world. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that nearly 1 million animals are abused or killed each year due to some form of domestic violence. Animal rights groups, such as Animal Advocates, is only one of many nonprofit organizations working to fight against animal cruelty and the stigma that abused dogs can’t be saved.
This is the story of Diesel.
Source: YouTube Screenshot
Diesel, a dog from the Yukon, spent four years of his life chained up, even during the harsh northern winters where temperatures could reach -40 degrees below zero. Animal Advocates found Diesel in absolutely horrifying conditions – he had been kicked in the face by a horse, breaking his teeth and splitting his tongue, as well as sporting a very deep shoulder wound caused by another dog. In the photo, you can see the dried blood and ice stuck in his mangy fur.
Diesel would sit, chained up, alternating between paws to keep one warm at a time. According to Animal Advocates, Diesel’s owner wanted to shoot him as they had gotten tired of caring for the dog.
Thankfully, Diesel was handed over to advocates instead of being killed.
Source: YouTube Screenshot
Only a few short days later, Diesel was flown out of the Yukon and sent straight to a vet where he was able to get the medical attention he so badly needed. Veterinarians neutered Diesel and even removed a tumor.
After spending some time in foster care while Diesel recovered, rescuers found out that Diesel was actually an incredibly friendly dog, even calling him a “teddy bear”. Despite at first being shy around other people and especially other dogs, Diesel finally began to warm up and show how despite his abuse, Diesel is still a sweet, loving dog deep down.
Source: YouTube Screenshot
Read more about what Animal Advocates is doing to help animals like Diesel at Shareably.