Hank once had a family, but they abandoned him deep in the woods. Left with a broken leg, a bag of food he couldn’t open, his bed, and a few worn toys, the 8-month-old puppy faced a heartbreaking fight for survival.
A kind passerby eventually found Hank lying motionless on his dog bed. The sight was devastating. The Good Samaritan immediately contacted the local animal shelter to get the young pup the help he desperately needed.
“Only a puppy, yet he has endured so much,” wrote Humans and Animals United on Facebook. “When he realized he was going to the vet, his tail began to wag. We can’t understand how anyone could leave him like this—but Hank is now safe and will never be harmed again.”
Photo Credit: Facebook / Humans and Animals United
At first, rescuers feared Hank might react aggressively after his ordeal, but he proved to be gentle and affectionate. “From the moment they picked him up, he only showed love,” said Rosa Fond, founder of Humans and Animals United, in an interview with The Dodo. “Everyone agrees he’s one of the sweetest dogs they’ve ever met.”
Veterinarians discovered that Hank’s leg had been broken for more than two weeks, making it painful for him to move. The injury required complex surgery, and there were initial concerns about whether he could survive the procedure. Thanks to Humans and Animals United, Hank received the lifesaving care he needed.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Humans and Animals United
Before surgery, Hank had to regain strength. Severely underweight and malnourished, he was fed small, frequent meals. It is believed he had been abandoned in the woods for roughly two weeks. As his story spread online, support poured in, with donations helping cover the costs of his surgery and recovery.
Hank’s first operation was successful, but his recovery continues. He is still very thin, with his ribs and bones visible, and requires extra nutrition to regain a healthy weight. He is currently in a temporary foster home and will soon move to a specialized foster family equipped to meet his ongoing medical needs. Once fully recovered, he will be ready for adoption.
Dozens of families have already expressed interest in giving Hank a forever home, though no final decision has been made. “We are so grateful to the Good Samaritan who found him and to everyone who has contributed to his care,” the rescue organization said. “Hank’s future will now be filled with love and happiness.”