Emaciated Dog Was Eating Roadkill To Survive — Then He Did Something That Broke Rescuers’ Hearts
An emaciated dog was found desperately eating up a dead bird in the middle of a busy road — a heartbreaking sign of just how starving he was. That’s when a foster partner of Rebel Dogs Detroit, a local rescue, spotted him. Unable to approach without frightening him, they quickly called the rescue for urgent help.
When the team arrived, the dog’s reaction was both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Instead of running away in fear, he ran straight toward their car, as if pleading for help — a desperate cry for the second chance he so badly needed.
Pretzels Led The Dog To Safety
The dog’s condition told a heartbreaking story of neglect and mistreatment. Completely shut down, his fear of human touch was understandable — yet, despite it all, he showed remarkable courage by approaching his rescuers.
With the help of a few pretzels, they gently coaxed him into the car. The moment he climbed in, he melted into their hands, soaking up every bit of affection. Any lingering fear seemed to vanish, replaced by the certainty that, this time, he was safe — and these humans wouldn’t hurt him.
Now named Pretzel, the dog is not only severely underweight but also suffering from painful injuries to his tail and genitalia. His tailbone is exposed, with the surrounding flesh badly eaten away — a sobering reminder of the suffering he has endured.
In Search of a Foster Home
Pretzel was found with a microchip, but sadly, it wasn’t registered, leaving the rescue with no way to trace his past or understand the life he once had.
The team is now focused on treating his severe starvation, dehydration, and painful tail injury, which will likely require surgical amputation. Despite the challenges, they are determined to give him a second chance at warmth and comfort.
With the shelter overflowing, Pretzel urgently needs a foster home. If you can open your heart and home to this sweet dog, the rescue encourages you to send in a foster application.
Dogs like Pretzel remind us that even after unimaginable pain, love can still shine through. He deserves a chance to heal in a home where he feels safe — and fostering could be that first step.” — Rocky Kanaka, Pet Rescue Advocate
