Heartbreaking Rescue of a Senior Dog Abandoned by His Family
When Hope For Paws, a rescue organization in Los Angeles, received a call about a senior dog abandoned on the streets, their team knew they had to act fast. The poor pup’s family had moved away, leaving him behind to fend for himself.
For over a year, kind neighbors stepped in to feed him, but no one could give him the home he desperately needed. Volunteers JoAnn Wiltz and Lisa Arturo set out to save the dog, finding him curled up in the grass beside a busy road.
As they approached, the cautious dog quickly got up and scurried to the other side of the street, doing his best to avoid the rescuers. But JoAnn and Lisa weren’t giving up.
They set a humane trap, baiting it with food. While the dog was clearly starving, he was also clever and wary—he didn’t trust the crate. So the rescuers tried a different approach.
With gentle patience, Lisa offered him food directly from her hand. Slowly, he inched closer, his hunger overriding his fear. At last, Lisa slipped a leash around his neck. The frightened pup froze for a moment but soon realized these humans were here to help, not harm.
They named him Pumba, and it didn’t take long for his sweet, gentle personality to shine through. After securing him in their car, they drove straight to the animal hospital. For perhaps the first time in years, Pumba experienced love and care.
Pumba’s story is a reminder that many dogs like him are still waiting for their second chance. Rescued from the streets, they sit in shelters or foster homes, longing for someone to show them kindness.
If you’re ready to provide love, security, and a forever home, consider visiting your local shelter. Adopting a dog like Pumba doesn’t just change their life—it will change yours too.
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