Many of us show our dogs love and care, but unfortunately, there are also some heartless animal owners out there. This unfortunate truth is evident in the story of Chunk, a beautiful three-month-old dog who had been subjected to cruel abuse by her owner. From the moment she was born, her owner mistreated her. After three months of suffering, they heartlessly abandoned her by the side of the road, where she was chained to a tree, unable to escape.
Left alone in the rain, Chunk was terrified and must have wondered what she had done to deserve such treatment. However, in a stroke of luck, the local fire department happened to stumble upon the poor dog during a cold October day in Sacramento. Thanks to their timely arrival, one member of the department was able to rescue Chunk from her imprisonment just in the nick of time.
Responding to an immediate and pressing call, they noticed a small animal near the roadside. Aware of the urgency of their current situation, the crew had to postpone their interaction with the creature until their original call was resolved.
The inclement weather made it even more challenging for the animal, and the firefighters vividly recall how it trembled with cold. Among the team, it was Firefighter Mike Thawley who decided to take responsibility for the little creature, affectionately named Chunk, and bring her back to the fire department station. Together, Mike and his colleagues spared no effort in providing Chunk with the affection and care she so rightfully deserved.
Due to her overwhelming coldness, the initial action taken was to provide her with a comforting hot bath and surround her with the comforting embraces and cuddles of several firemen.
However, it became evident from the beginning that her condition extended beyond mere coldness, as she was clearly battling with a severe case of mange. This is a commonly observed dermatological issue in dogs who have suffered mistreatment or abuse at the hands of their owners. The fire station promptly provided initial aid to Chunk, after which she was transferred to an animal shelter for further treatment. The ultimate goal was to ensure that Chunk would eventually find a forever home filled with love and care.
The Front Street Animal Shelter took her in to treat her mange and ensured she would fully recover. They also found a temporary foster home where she could stay until she regained her health. However, the process of Chunk’s healing was not as smooth as they had hoped, and it took some time for her fur to start growing back.
During Chunk’s time at the shelter and her foster home, there was one person who couldn’t get her out of his mind – Firefighter Mike Thawley. Upon his return to the shelter, he surprised everyone with his presence. It was evident that Chunk had not forgotten him, as her excitement and joy were palpable when she reunited with her life-saving hero.
According to a heartfelt post by the Sacramento Fire Department on their social media platform, everyone involved in the incident unconditionally adored her. Mike, accompanied by his wife and three daughters, didn’t visit the shelter out of pure coincidence. They had a purpose, a mission even – to lovingly provide a permanent home for her.
Despite Mike’s objections, it seems that Chunk may soon find a forever home, as indicated by a four to one vote. Firefighter Mike Thawley and his family returned to the Front Street Animal Shelter, accompanied by the rest of their gang, to officially bring foster puppy Chunk into their family. Chunk had been rescued from Engine 14 by Mike and his crew the previous Sunday and had been receiving care and healing at the shelter ever since. Although Mike may dispute it, the odds are looking favorable for Chunk’s permanent placement! A special thanks goes to Bobby Mann and the entire team at the Front Street Animal Shelter for their unwavering commitment to our community. After patiently waiting for four months while Chunk completed her mange treatment, Mike and his family are elated to finally welcome her into their loving home.
“I find the whole story incredibly amazing because not only did this dog find its forever home, but it also got to experience being in a foster home, something our shelter is always in need of, and it got the opportunity to become joyful and thriving,” remarked Bobby Mann, a member of the shelter team.
Make sure to watch the heartwarming video of Mike reuniting with this courageous pitbull puppy.
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