Many of us prefer to cuddle our dogs with affection and love, but sadly, there are some nasty pet owners out there too, and it just goes to show that certain people should never be around animals for their own safety.
One such individual was the owner of Chunk, a beautiful three-month-old dog who had lost all of her vigor and vitality. Ever since she was born, her owner cruelly mistreated her. After three months, she was simply abandoned on the side of the road, chained to a tree so she couldn’t escape.
The poor dog was left in the rain, absolutely terrified and presumably wondering what she had done wrong. Fortunately, the local fire department discovered the imprisoned dog, even if it was by coincidence. During a cold October day in Sacramento, a member of the department managed to save Chunk just in time.
They were responding to an urgent call and spotted the four-legged pooch on the side of the road. Because it was an emergency, the crew couldn’t just quit right away, but had to come back when their call was resolved.
The harsh weather was especially hard on her, firefighters still remember how terribly she shivered from the cold. Firefighter Mike Thawley was the one who decided to take little Chunk under his wing and bring her back to the fire station. Mike and his colleagues did their best to give this unfortunate dog the love and care she deserved.
Since she was still feeling bitterly cold, the first thing they did was offer her a warm bath followed by lots of hugs and cuddles from several firefighters.
Not only was she suffering from the cold, but it was obvious from the start that she was dealing with mange. It’s not uncommon to see this skin condition in dogs that have been mistreated or abused by their owners. Chunk received first aid at the fire station and was then transferred to an animal shelter for further treatment and to hopefully find a permanent, loving home.
The Front Street Animal Shelter took her in to treat her mange and ensure she made a full recovery. A temporary foster home was also set up where she could reside until she was feeling healthier. It took a little while before her fur grew back, and Chunk’s recovery wasn’t as easy as they had imagined.
As Chunk spent her days at the shelter or in her foster home, there was one person in particular who couldn’t stop thinking about her. Firefighter Mike Thawley returned to the shelter with quite the surprise. The pit bull clearly didn’t forget who this guy is, and you can see how animated and happy she is when she’s reunited with her rescuer. re
“We all fell in love with her,” the Sacramento Fire Department said on their Facebook page.
Mike didn’t come to the shelter alone, his wife and three daughters also came with him. And they were there for a specific cause! The firefighter and his family were eager to care for her forever.
“Even though Mike denies it, it looks like by a four to one vote, Chunk might end up with a forever home,” the post adds with a smile.
Firefighter Mike Thawley returned to the Front Street Animal Shelter today with his family. The group was there to bring foster dog Chunk home. Chunk was rescued from Engine 14 by Mike and the rest of the crew last Sunday and has been healing at the shelter.
Despite Mike’s denials, it looks like Chunk will have a forever home by a four to one vote. Thank you to Bobby Mann and the rest of the Front Street Shelter crew for their continued commitment to our community.
Mike and his family had to wait four months for the mange treatment to be completed before they could take her home, but they were all very excited to adopt her after so long.
“I think the best thing about this whole story is that not only did this dog get his forever home, but he got the chance to go to a foster home, which we always look for at our shelter, to be happy and healthy,” said shelter staff member Bobby Mann.
Be sure to check out Mike’s adorable first meeting with this brave pitbull pup below.
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