Matted Stray Dog Living Under Stranger's House, Until Rescuers Show Up
Hope for Paws is a California-based, non-profit rescue group that helps rescue homeless animals from the life-threatening hazards of street life. Founder Eldad Hagar and his dedicated team of volunteers have given hundreds of abandoned pets a brand new lease on life.
Recently, Hope for Paws received a call about a stray cocker spaniel who had been living underneath a Los Angeles residence for roughly a month. The homeowners said they’d hoped a caring owner would come to claim the canine, but nobody ever arrived.
Hagar and one of his rescue partners, Lisa Arturo, rushed to the scene quickly. Arturo initially used a tried-and-true trick to get the dog’s attention: offering a yummy cheeseburger.
But the pup was understandably skittish. Even surrounded by all those meaty morsels Arturo tossed his way, he bolted out toward the street.
Hagar and Arturo managed to coax him back toward the comparative safety of the driveway. Then, as the dog attempted to rush back toward the sidewalk, Hagar used a special long lead to halt his progress.
Immediately, it became clear that this canine was a truly beautiful boy who had been tragically neglected and forgotten. He began warming up to Arturo as she fed him bites of cheeseburger, while gently allowing him to sniff her hand.
Even after his tasty snack, however, the dog’s eyes still showed a great deal of fearful uncertainty.
Very gradually, Arturo managed to slip the trademark Hope for Paws “Lucky Leash” around his matted neck.
The rescuers saved a bit of cheeseburger to lure the nervous pooch toward their car, but he continued to hesitate. “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay,” repeated Hagar in a calmly encouraging voice.
Clearly, this called for a quick comfort break. The canine hovered near the driveway while his rescuers scratched his head, rubbed his ears, spoke soothing words of reassurance, and told him how handsome he was.
Eventually, they got him bundled into a comfy blanket and moved inside the vehicle. Arturo then suggested they name this sweet soul Amos.
Once at the vet’s office, it was found that Amos was suffering from a correctable condition called cherry eye. He had surgery to fix this issue, and he was also neutered.
Amos received nourishing meals, warm bedding, a spiffy new haircut, and plenty of TLC during his recovery.
One adorable video shows him rolling around on a sunny lawn in his brand new foster home — waiting for a loving adopter, clearly thrilled to be alive.
According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million pets enter shelters every year. Hope for Paws is committed to making sure more of these precious animals find safe forever homes.
The final scene of a posted YouTube video shows Arturo asking Amos to give her his paw. But instead, the rescued pooch merely leans in for an adoring, grateful hug.
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