‘Miracle’ Dog Who Was Starved For Months Makes Amazing Comeback

On the night of Tuesday, August 7, a bystander was out on a stroll in Laurens, South Carolina, when they noticed a dog tied up outside a house, unmoving on the ground.

The dog’s gaunt frame made it difficult to believe it was still alive, yet the canine was still breathing against all chances.

The Good Samaritan took a picture of the starving mastiff mix and called animal control. Officers came swiftly, untangled the dog from his heavy leather collar and shackles, and transported him to a nearby veterinarian.

Champ, a 16-month-old dog that was subsequently named, should have weighed 110 pounds but only weighed 50. Champ appeared to be on the verge of death, but his caregivers would soon discover that he was far from dead.

When volunteers from Rescue Dogs Rock, a New York-based rescue group, learned of the dog’s harrowing situation, they realized they had to act quickly. The rescue phoned animal control the next morning and had Champ moved to a local clinic where he could get round-the-clock medical treatment.

Jackie O’Sullivan, creator of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, told The Dodo, “He was in bad state and needed an emergency blood transfusion.” “He had little muscular mass, was anemic, and his gums were white because he couldn’t renew red blood cells on his own.”

O’Sullivan remarked, “He probably wouldn’t have lasted another 12 hours.” “It was a hair’s breadth away.”

While Champ’s future remained hazy, his past came into sharper clarity.

According to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation, Champ was left in the care of his original owner’s ex-girlfriend, Elizabeth James, six months ago, who reportedly left the dog without food or water. James was arrested on August 16 for animal cruelty, but has since been freed on bail until her next court appearance in October, according to O’Sullivan.

Champ’s photo and tale were published on Facebook by the rescue, and the post rapidly went viral.

“I believe his tale connected with people because there was someone living in the house who saw this happen to him day after day,” O’Sullivan stated. “He was starving on purpose while the other dogs in the house were being fed. I believe that this has enraged people much.”

“She saw him decline till he was on the verge of death,” O’Sullivan continued.

Champ had to endure unspeakable abuse, yet you’d never know it from his cheerful demeanor.

“[Veterinarians] say he has a wonderful demeanor and is a really loving dog,” O’Sullivan added. “He doesn’t appear to harbor any resentments.” He’s just grateful for any and all attention, love, and support he receives.”

Champ was finally considered healthy enough to continue his recuperation in a medical foster home, where he can feel like a real dog again, after three weeks at the vet.

Champ has made himself at home since meeting his foster family for the first time on Saturday, rolling around in the backyard…

… and sniffing his two foster dog brothers.

While Champ’s return to a healthy weight might take up to two months, his admirers will be there to support him every step of the way. Champ has almost 40,000 Facebook fans, and many of his postings have been seen by over 100,000 people across the world. The previously defenseless dog has become a symbol of the ultimate survivor, causing fury throughout the internet.

O’Sullivan added, “I think he’s nothing short of remarkable.” “When we originally released the photo, folks said, ‘Come on, come out!’ ‘That dog is no longer alive.’ ‘No, he’s not dead,’ we were saying. ‘He was on the verge of dying.’