It’s incredible how cruel some people can be to animals. We’ve heard of pets being rescued from horrific home situations in appalling conditions.
But, thankfully, there are also kind people willing to step forward and give these animals a much-needed second chance, providing them with the love and care they deserve after being subjected to so much cruelty.
For example, one dog had all of his teeth extracted by his former owner but is now recovering in good hands.
Royal Animal Refuge in Tyrone, Georgia, shared a particularly heartbreaking story about a pet that had come into their care on February 23: a 9-month-old miniature pit bull mix whose teeth had been pulled out by a previous owner.
It is unknown who did such a heartless thing to the poor dog, but the rescue suspects the pup’s teeth were removed so he could be used as a “bait dog” in a dog fighting operation, according to FOX 5.
“The vet told us it wasn’t a professional job,” Royal Animal Refuge Director Mariel Weigand told FOX 5.
The animal shelter took him in, and despite his ordeal, he turned out to be a sweet pup: “We couldn’t say no to taking him in, and he quickly stole all of our hearts,” Royal Animal Refuge wrote on Facebook.
While the name “Toothless” may appear insensitive, it is based on one of the heroic dragons from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise: “In the movie, Toothless overcomes many struggles and obstacles, so it is so fitting for our boy!” they explained.
But Toothless wasn’t out of the woods yet: the puppy was diagnosed with parvo, a highly infectious virus that can cause severe illness in puppies, shortly after arriving at the refuge.
“He was immediately rushed to a vet and is now receiving medical care,” Royal Animal Refuge said in a statement. “Toothless requests that positive thoughts be sent his way.”
“Please keep Toothless in your thoughts; we know he’s a little fighter, and we’re confident he’ll keep fighting!”
Fortunately, the refuge received donations from followers to help fund Toothless’ medical treatments, and the dog survived: according to FOX 5, Toothless is “improving every day.”
Toothless has been through a lot, from losing his teeth to battling parvo, but things are looking up for this beautiful dog.
Toothless is now “living his best life” in the care of a “amazing foster family,” according to a Royal Animal Refuge update.
They shared photos of Toothless in his new home, demonstrating that despite losing his teeth, he still has a beautiful smile.
The shelter thanked the foster family and everyone else who helped support Toothless in their post.
“We want to thank everyone for donating, sharing, and raising awareness for sweet dogs like Toothless,” Royal Animal Refuge said in a statement.
“As always, there is no way we could do this without all of you, and we will be eternally grateful.”
It breaks our hearts to think about what Toothless went through, but we’re glad he’s in good hands now, receiving the best care and living in a loving foster home.
