Neglected dog arrived at shelter nearly starved to death — now he’s living his best life

Some animals arrive at shelters in heartbreaking condition, but with a little love their lives can totally turn around.
That was the case for one neglected dog, who was found nearly starving to death, but in the weeks since has been making incredible strides.

In September, the South Suburban Humane Society, in Illinois, took in a severely emaciated dog named Pumpkin. He was first found by a local resident who thought he was dying and brought him to the police.

Emily Klehm, CEO of the South Suburban Humane Society, told Newsweek that while they rescue many dogs, Pumpkin’s was an “extreme case” that left them speechless. “He was severely emaciated and unable to walk,” she said.

Photos show how unbelievably thin the dog was — it’s a miracle he survived at all.

Vets administered fluids and shaved his matted fur. Despite the rough start, he started to perk up and went into foster care with one of the shelter employees.

“Thankfully, we got him into foster care, where he is starting to improve and stand on his own again,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “His journey is still long, but we are incredibly proud of him so far.”

Updates from the shelter show the remarkable improvement Pumpkin has made in just a short time. While he was unable to stand when they first found him, he can now walk around the yard on his own, wagging his tail.

“This little man is so strong and getting better every single day,” the shelter wrote.

Though he’s still visibly thin, he has been slowly regaining weight. “This little man is progressing, and we cannot wait to see how much more he continues to improve!” South Suburban Humane Society wrote.

Pumpkin’s backstory is still unclear, but the shelter says he will be placed up for adoption once he gets medical clearance.

“Pumpkin will need a home that understands that he was severely neglected,” Klehm told Newsweek. “He doesn’t know how to be a dog, so everything from leash walking to toys are all new experiences for him. An experienced dog family would be best.”

In the meantime, he’s doing well and loves his foster home.

It’s heartbreaking that Pumpkin was neglected for so long, but we’re so glad he’s doing well and regaining weight — we hope he finds a forever home soon when he’s ready!

Please share this story if you love dogs!

Last Kiss Before Child Delivery: A Man Lost His Wife And Became a Single Dad To Quadruplets!

Carlos and Erica Morales had a terrible fairytale relationship that once took place in Phoenix, Arizona. Their romance started in 2006. They initially had some linguistic obstacles, but they rapidly overcome them because they connected right away.

Following a few setbacks, they got married in 2007 and excitedly started their family-building quest. Even though they had suffered the pain of a miscarriage, they were ecstatic to learn that Erica was expecting quadruplets.

But instead of being the happiest time in their life, it turned into heartbreak. Erica unfortunately lost suddenly shortly after giving birth to their four beautiful infants, leaving Carlos to raise their quadruplets alone while grieving greatly.

Carlos showed incredible fortitude in the face of such intense grief by naming their four children—Carlos Jr., Paisley, Tracey, and Erica—in honor of his late wife.

Although becoming a single father came with its own set of difficulties, Carlos accepted it with great commitment. He became skilled at taking care of his infants and concentrated on realizing Erica’s aspirations for the future of his kids.

On this voyage, Carlos wasn’t traveling alone. Friends, relatives, and most of all Erica’s mother, Sondra Bridges, came together to support and love him during the difficult time of raising quadruplets.

Carlos came upon a message on Erica’s iPad one day while sorting through her things that detailed her goals and dreams for their kids. Carlos was greatly inspired by this finding, which motivated him to work toward making those aspirations come true.

Carlos Morales’s story is one of unfathomable loss, unwavering fortitude, and a steadfast love that endures beyond even the darkest moments of sorrow.

Carlos and his quadruplets are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope they keep finding the courage and steadfast support they require on this difficult path. A moving reminder of the enduring power of love and the relationships that mold our lives is provided by their narrative.