During a walk near St. Rose of Lima Church in Brooklyn’s Kensington neighborhood, New York, a compassionate individual stumbled upon a truly distressing scene.
There, he discovered a forlorn, severely neglected small dog that had been thrown over the church’s six-foot-tall spiked fence, which was securely locked.
Utterly astonished by the poor condition of the dog, a Good Samaritan urgently reached out for assistance via social media. Fortunately, NYC Second Chance Rescue was able to promptly respond and hurry to the site almost instantly.
Rescue Story of Saint
Upon arrival of the rescue team, they were incredulous at what they witnessed. The poor little dog appeared to be in terrible condition… so overgrown and tangled.
Given that the church was enclosed by this six-foot-high, spiked barrier, it was evident that someone had discarded him there intentionally.
“Upon arrival, an extremely matted, dirty, little boy lay on the steps of the church. We managed to get over the fence, treats in hand, to secure him,” NYC Second Chance Rescue detailed in their Facebook post.
One of the rescuers, Jennifer, thankfully had a gymnastics background and managed to get over the fence.
She approached the frightened little dog carefully as she anticipated he would be timid and fearful, but to her astonishment, he was entirely the opposite.
He was sociable and confident, extending his little paw, almost as if seeking assistance.
“I reached out my hand for him to sniff and observe my reaction, and he raised his paw, placing it in my hand. It felt like he was asking for help,” Jennifer shared with We Love Animals.
After briefly petting him, she successfully lifted him with ease, climbed over the fence, secured the dog in their vehicle, and took him to the veterinary clinic.
His friendly demeanor was a clear indication that, at one time, he was cared for by someone, but how someone could allow the dog to reach such a state was incomprehensible.
Saint’s Remarkable Transformation
“His condition is appalling and sorrowful. His fur was so matted that it created a rigid shell around significant parts of his tiny body. The odor emanating from him was enough to make most people retch,” the rescue organization expressed.
Despite his dreadful state, little Saint, as he was soon named, was incredibly amiable with his rescuers.
He did not attempt to escape, nor did he ever growl or snap. Saint merely remained in the very spot where he had been abandoned, which is even more tragic.
“This boy is no more than 2 years old. The mats that enveloped his body were revoltingly filthy. It undoubtedly took a lengthy period for it to get this bad. It is sickening to think that someone observed him suffer in such circumstances,” the rescue remarked.
At the veterinary clinic, Saint was completely shaved, receiving the essential medical treatment. With all the matted fur removed, he was nearly two pounds lighter and feeling significantly better.
His metamorphosis was astonishing. “I couldn’t believe it was the same dog once they shaved him… how stunning he became,” Jennifer remarked.
Saint’s Fresh Start
Shortly after his rescue, a woman came across Saint’s story online and instantly recognized that she was meant to adopt him.
Coincidentally, Saint’s new mother, Melanie, had attended school for eight years at the same church where he was abandoned, and she felt it was fate.
“She was wonderful and wanted to give him the love he deserves and, you know, provide him with the best possible home, making for a truly remarkable ending, or beginning for him,” Jennifer added.
Saint is flourishing in his forever family, and although he adores everyone, he has a unique bond with four-year-old Stella, and they have become the best of companions.
He now revels in cuddling, fetching, playing in the yard, and simply relishing the life of a happy and healthy dog.