As president of Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue, a foster-based, volunteer-run organization in Avondale, Pennsylvania, Mary C. Bauer has spent years helping dogs in need.
Earlier this week, Bauer received a tip from a concerned community member about a dog living
in unsafe conditions, just a mile from the rescue. As usual, Bauer raced to the scene.
When she arrived, Bauer found the large pup, later named Boyer, tied to a thick, four-foot chain.
“His chain was so heavy and short that he couldn’t even get fully inside his makeshift doghouse,” the rescue wrote in a Facebook post. “There was no water in his bowl — just mud.”
Locals say Boyer had lived like this for over a year, occasionally receiving food and water from concerned neighbors.
Bauer drew closer to the dog, anticipating fear in his eyes. But the “gentle giant” was nothing but friendly.
“Despite everything, he still wagged his tail when I approached,” Bauer told The Dodo. “He gently took treats from my hand and looked up at me with those enormous, soulful eyes. I felt a combination of heartbreak, anger and determination. No animal deserves to live that way.”
Later that day, Bauer returned with a fellow volunteer and a police officer and negotiated Boyer’s release.
At last, Boyer was free.
“We cut the chain and loaded him into the car,” the rescue wrote. “On the short ride to the rescue, he gave us sloppy kisses.”
Today, Boyer is safe with his new friends, enjoying big dinners, blankets, and long runs through the rescue’s open field.
Rescuers hope this story reminds us of the neglect that might be happening in our own communities and backyards. They’re grateful to the dedicated neighbors who stepped up to help, and they encourage animal advocates to do the same thing —to call their local animal control or humane organization if they see something is wrong.
“Sometimes one phone call can completely change an animal’s life,” Bauer said.
Certainly, in Boyer’s case, one call made all the difference.
“Once he has had time to heal and we better understand his needs, we will evaluate him for adoption,” Bauer said. “Our hope is that his next chapter includes a loving family, a comfortable bed, plenty of room to move around, and never having to experience life on a chain again.”
