Rescuers Found This Starving Dog Eating From a Dumpster—What Happened Next Was Even Worse

Sakcham Tiwari |

Feb 25, 2025

A woman in Texas found a stray dog called Freddy in a miserable state – emaciated, battling severe skin infection, and eating from an overflowing dumpster to satisfy his hunger. Wanting to help, she took him to a local shelter, believing it would be his chance at a better life. (Watch the TikTok below.)

@welovecuddly Sick, Starving, And Frozen To The Bone, Emaciated Shepherd Ate Trash Out Of Dumpsters To Survive The Unforgiving Streets… Freddy was found on the frigid streets, eating trash overflowing from a dumpster. After being taken to a local shelter, he was put on the euthanasia list. Despite being off the streets, his life was still on the line. When a local woman (@Bristexastails) found beautiful #Shepherd Freddy digging through trash for scraps of food, she knew she couldn't leave him. She hopped out of her car and easily got him on a leash. Given how comfortable he was, it is likely that Freddy once had a home. However, he was now a sick and emaciated stray. The unforgiving streets had not been kind to this poor boy. His coat was patchy and dull, with bald spots revealing layers of infected skin. He was also dangerously malnourished, his ribs and hip bones clearly visible as his body deteriorated. With Texas experiencing unusual and extreme cold weather, the woman knew Freddy couldn't stay on the streets for one more night. Not knowing what else to do, she brought him to the local shelter, where she thought he'd be safe. Unfortunately, she was wrong. Almost immediately after his arrival, Freddy was scheduled to be euthanized. The shelter was already so overcrowded, and his poor physical condition bumped him to the top of the list. Thankfully, Rescued Pets Movement intervened before it was too late. Although now safe, Freddy faces a long recovery ahead. Infection and malnutrition have taken a tremendous toll on his body, and he will need extensive care in order to heal. We are committed to supporting Freddy every step of the way, but we urgently need your help. Please consider contributing to Freddy's medical fund or sending him a get-well gift from his wish list of supplies. Let's show this resilient boy he's worth fighting for. We will be sure to update you as he continues to make progress. Thank you for your invaluable generosity. LINK IN BIO – Donate 📍Houston, TX – Rescued Pets Movement (@Rescued Pets Movement) #rescuedog #germanshepherd #fyp #foryoupage #gsd #shepherdmix #gsdoftiktok #rescuestory #emergency #animallovers #dogsoftiktok ♬ Gentle and warm background piano(1262846) – Noru

However, things didn’t go quite as the rescuer had imagined. Almost immediately after arriving, Freddy was placed on the euthanasia list. Had a rescue not stepped in just in time, he would have survived the streets only to lose his life at the shelter.

Freddy’s Harrowing Journey

Freddy’s frail condition told the story of his struggle to survive on the streets. Severely malnourished, his ribs and hip bones jutted out beneath his dull, patchy coat, while bald spots revealed a serious skin infection.

On top of this, the unusual plummeting temperatures in Texas meant the dog probably wouldn’t have lived through another night if his kind rescuer hadn’t decided to save him.

Rescuers Found This Starving Dog Eating From a Dumpster—What Happened Next Was Even Worse — Source: TikTok

The woman quickly realized that Freddy had once been someone’s pet. He allowed her to leash him without hesitation and climbed into her car with ease, his gentle, trusting nature shining through despite his suffering.

But his relief was short-lived. The overcrowded shelter took one look at his condition and immediately placed him at the top of the euthanasia list. Fortunately, the Rescued Pets Movement stepped in just in time, giving the Shepherd a real shot at the second chance he deserved.

A Long Road to Recovery

Freddy is finally safe at a Houston-based rescue, but his journey is far from over. His fragile body still bears the effects of malnutrition and infection, and he will need extensive medical care to heal. With time, patience, and love, this brave dog has a chance to reclaim the life he deserves.

You can be a part of Freddy’s recovery. Your support will help cover his medical expenses or provide him with much-needed essentials from his wishlist. Visit this link to donate and make a difference.

Rocky Kanaka, a pet rescue advocate, is deeply moved by Freddy’s tale as he notes, “No dog should have to survive off scraps and struggle to stay warm. Freddy’s journey isn’t over yet, but with compassion and support, we can rewrite his story.”