Dallas DogRRR

This Dog Was 'Broken & Forgotten' But Now He's Always Smiling

Every time I see one of these dog rescue stories it makes me want to run down to my local shelter and save all the pooches there.

Of course, it's not a feasible solution. I already have two dogs of my own and one person can't solve the systemic problems of over-crowding and lack of funds that plague municipal shelter systems.

For now, animals in need rely on the support of non-profits, their volunteers, donations, and more than a little luck.

While society makes its slow shift towards more long-term solutions, it's important to share the good stories of animals who have been saved.

Dallas DogRRR

Awareness leads to volunteers and donations for the people working so hard and that means they can save more and more.

Meet Sanford.

Dallas DogRRR found him in a shelter, describing him as "broken and forgotten" in a concrete kennel.

On top of his miserable environment, they realized that Sanford was injured.

Dallas DogRRR

Though Sanford had been at the small local shelter for a week, he'd received no medical care. They were given a day to get him out of there before the shelter would put him down.

Dallas DogRRR volunteers realized that he must have been hit by a car prior to being picked up by animal control. Upon examination, they also found a bullet wound in one of his hind legs.

They got him out of there with the help of a towel sling, since he couldn't walk.

Dallas DogRRR

Sanford needed a lot of medical help and when the rescue shared his story on their Facebook page, their followers gave what they could. Just over $3000 was raised for his care.

After some time in the doggy hospital, Sanford was sent home with foster mom Karen Velazquez.

Dallas DogRRR

She quickly realized just how smily Sanford naturally was, telling The Dodo:

"He looks at me in a way that no other animal or human has ever looked at me, including my own pets. Essentially, the only time he is not smiling is when he is asleep or eating."

Compared to the broken dog the volunteers found, he's completely changed.

Instagram | @dallasdogrrr

Sanford is estimated to be about 10 years old, but he's got the energy of a much younger dog.

I really can't get over that incredible smile!

Instagram | @dallasdogrrr

As of this writing, Sanford is still looking for his forever home, so if you're interested, you can check out his info here.

And you can learn more about Dallas DogRRR at their website.

h/t: The Dodo

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