Some animals arrive at shelters in heartbreaking condition, but with a little love their lives can totally turn around.
That was the case for one neglected dog, who was found nearly starving to death, but in the weeks since has been making incredible strides.
In September, the South Suburban Humane Society, in Illinois, took in a severely emaciated dog named Pumpkin. He was first found by a local resident who thought he was dying and brought him to the police.
Emily Klehm, CEO of the South Suburban Humane Society, told Newsweek that while they rescue many dogs, Pumpkin’s was an “extreme case” that left them speechless. “He was severely emaciated and unable to walk,” she said.
Photos show how unbelievably thin the dog was — it’s a miracle he survived at all.
Vets administered fluids and shaved his matted fur. Despite the rough start, he started to perk up and went into foster care with one of the shelter employees.
“Thankfully, we got him into foster care, where he is starting to improve and stand on his own again,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “His journey is still long, but we are incredibly proud of him so far.”
Updates from the shelter show the remarkable improvement Pumpkin has made in just a short time. While he was unable to stand when they first found him, he can now walk around the yard on his own, wagging his tail
“This little man is so strong and getting better every single day,” the shelter wrote.
Though he’s still visibly thin, he has been slowly regaining weight. “This little man is progressing, and we cannot wait to see how much more he continues to improve!” South Suburban Humane Society wrote.
Pumpkin’s backstory is still unclear, but the shelter says he will be placed up for adoption once he gets medical clearance.
“Pumpkin will need a home that understands that he was severely neglected,” Klehm told Newsweek. “He doesn’t know how to be a dog, so everything from leash walking to toys are all new experiences for him. An experienced dog family would be best.”
In the meantime, he’s doing well and loves his foster home.
It’s heartbreaking that Pumpkin was neglected for so long, but we’re so glad he’s doing well and regaining weight — we hope he finds a forever home soon when he’s ready!
Please share this story if you love dogs!
Skiing Sensation Matilde Lorenzi’s Shocking Loses Her Life at 19
Italian skier Matilde Lorenzi tragically lost her life in a skiing accident. She was training on the Grawand G1 slope in Val Senes when she fell.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) expressed their sadness on Instagram over the tragic passing of Italian skier Matilde Lorenzi, who was only 19.
They posted a touching black-and-white photo of Lorenzi, sharing that the news was first confirmed by the Italian Ministry of Defense.
In their statement, FIS said they stand with FISI President Flavio Roda and the entire Italian winter sports community, including coaches, athletes, teammates, and staff, as they mourn Lorenzi’s loss.
At the end, the federation shared their deep sadness, mourning alongside Lorenzi’s family and friends. Joining them, the Ministry of Defense and its Minister Guido Crosetto posted a message in Italian, honoring the young Army athlete and offering support to Lorenzi’s family.
The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) also posted a statement on their website, including details of her funeral. They announced that it would be held on Thursday, October 31, at 10 AM in Giaveno at San Lorenzo parish.
Lorenzi’s family asked for donations instead of flowers to support the “Project in Memory of Matildina.
The Italian Army’s sports branch, Centro Sportivo Esercito, honored Lorenzi on Instagram. Their heartfelt caption, translated from Italian, read, “Too soon!! This is the only thought in our hearts during this time of sorrow.
They continued, “We stand with your family and Lucrezia, comforted that you were doing what you loved. Take a few more turns for us and watch over those who loved you.”
Lorenzi’s boyfriend, Federico Tomasoni, has also been sharing memories of her on Instagram. In one post, he wrote, “You are the most beautiful thing that life could ever give me.
I love you, little star ,” along with a close-up of their hands as he held hers.
Another memory showed Lorenzi by the beach, replying “Ciao” to Tomasoni’s greeting.
Before her passing, Lorenzi’s last Instagram post featured photos of a sunset in Ibiza. Among these images was one of her with Tomasoni, her arms around him, with a caption that read, “chasing sunsets in ibiza [sic].”
We offer our deepest condolences to Lorenzi’s family, boyfriend, friends, colleagues, and loved ones as they cope with this immense loss.
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