Emaciated Dog Now ‘Picture of Health’ After Foster Carer Helps Him Recover

It may be hard to watch this viral video that shows the harsh reality of animal neglect. Harold was skin and bone when he was found wandering the streets in North Oshawa in Ontario, Canada. But now is thriving and just like any other puppy—thanks to his foster carer.

Kayleigh McGovern, a volunteer and team member at Oshawa Animal Services, decided to look after the emaciated dog who was too weak to even walk back in July. She documented his progress and shared a slideshow of images on her TikTok page.

Kathy Pittman-Feltham, the shelter manager told Newsweek: “Harold quickly captured all of our hearts and we were rooting for him to get healthy and find his forever home.”

Stray dog's transformation
On the left, Harold looks skeletal and on the right, his body appears completely different. In six days, he made a remarkable recovery and didn’t seem to be the same dog.

In the viral video that has 791,800 views, @kayleigh_mcgovern added on-screen text to explain each image. She stated he spent the first three days in bed and he didn’t have the strength to empty his bladder.

She wrote: “We shared many cuddles, watched lots of shows, and most importantly he got lots of rest.”

One image shows Harold’s skeletal body as the on-screen text explains: “This picture is still so jarring to look at. He was examined at the vet for possible causes of his emaciation. The vets concluded the only thing wrong with him was that he was essentially starving to death.”

After a few days of tender love and care, Harold started to feel stronger and became playful. Now four months on, he is just like any other puppy.

Pittman-Feltham told Newsweek: “Kayleigh helped nurse him back to health and he was then adopted by a member of the community who is a second-time adopter from us.

“He is doing phenomenal and is the perfect picture of health.”

Harold’s remarkable transformation has touched the hearts of thousands of TikTok users. But sadly, his situation wasn’t a rare case.

Foster carer
Kayleigh McGovern can be seen cuddling Harold ahead of his adoption.

Each year 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Pittman-Feltham told Newsweek: “We see many sad cases come through our doors and the team is always excited to be a part of the next chapter in their story as most times we don’t have any information on their past.

“We are hoping Harold’s story shines a light on the many cases across the rescue world that need our help.

“Fostering saves lives and Harold is a perfect example of that!

E𝚏𝚏𝚎ctiv𝚎l𝚢 s𝚊v𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢 kitt𝚎n 𝚏𝚛𝚘m t𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛il𝚘𝚞s 𝚑𝚎i 𝚐𝚑t 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚏.

In a heart-pounding moment of courage and compassion, a baby kitten’s life hangs in the balance as a daring rescue mission unfolds to bring it safely down from the precarious height of a roof. This incredible tale showcases the unwavering determination and resourcefulness of a compassionate individual, whose actions prove that every life, no matter how small, is worth saving.

As the world looked on with bated breath, a tiny, helpless kitten found itself stranded on a roof, its innocent mews echoing through the air. Fear gripped the hearts of those who witnessed the perilous situation, knowing that time was of the essence to save this vulnerable creature from harm.

A compassionate soul, driven by a deep empathy for the kitten’s plight, stepped forward to take on the daunting task of rescue. Armed with determination and a keen problem-solving mindset, they assessed the situation, carefully considering the best course of action.

With ropes, ladders, and a heart filled with unwavering resolve, the rescuer embarked on their mission. Scaling the heights of the building, they navigated the treacherous terrain with utmost caution, their focus fixed on the tiny life they were determined to save.

As they reached the roof, they were met with the sight of the frightened and fragile kitten, teetering on the edge of danger. The rescuer’s heart swelled with both trepidation and determination, understanding the urgency of the situation.

With gentle coaxing and soothing words, they approached the kitten, their presence offering a glimmer of hope amidst the fear that had engulfed the tiny creature. Slowly and patiently, they gained its trust, knowing that every movement had to be precise to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the rescued.

With steady hands and unwavering determination, the rescuer cradled the fragile kitten, their grip gentle yet firm, protecting the delicate life that rested within their embrace. Step by careful step, they descended, their focus unwavering as they navigated the treacherous path back to solid ground.

As they finally reached safety, a collective sigh of relief resonated through the air. The baby kitten, once perched precariously on the roof, was now cradled in the arms of its savior, surrounded by a circle of grateful and awe-struck onlookers.

This act of bravery and compassion serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the life of another, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It exemplifies the power of empathy and the lengths we can go to protect and preserve life’s precious creatures.

With the baby kitten safely in their care, the rescuer’s heart filled with a sense of fulfillment and joy. Their selfless actions had given this tiny being a chance to experience love, care, and a future filled with possibilities.

This extraordinary rescue story reminds us all to be vigilant and compassionate, to keep an eye out for those in need, and to extend a helping hand whenever we can. It is a testament to the incredible bonds we can forge with animals and the immeasurable impact we can have on their lives.

https://youtu.be/PzLgu2glDW4

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