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‘Dream Come True’ as Dog Finds Loving Home After 13 Years Chained Outside

A dog who spent 13 years chained up outside, even in extreme weather conditions, has finally learned the meaning of love after finding his forever home.

Animals have always been important to Dareth, 38, a rescue advocate who was horrified to see the dog tied to a chain. For 13 years, the dog, who has now been named Buddy, was left outside, and Dareth was heartbroken when she drove past and saw him in the snow without shelter.

“I couldn’t sleep after seeing him out there in below freezing temperatures. It made me sick,” Dareth told Newsweek.

Keeping a dog tied up outside isn’t illegal in West Virginia, so when Dareth, who doesn’t wish to disclose her full name, called animal control, she was told there was nothing she could do. That wasn’t what she wanted to hear, so in 2024 Dareth took matters into her own hands by reaching out to the neighbors to see if they could share any information about the dog.

Locals told her they remembered when the owners brought the dog home in 2011, and he spent the next 13 years outside.

Buddy the rescue dog
From left: Buddy the border collie mix chained up outside; Buddy in his forever home.

@xoangelbabyxo / TikTok

Dareth continued: “One neighbor said he made a cut out in his fence a few years ago so he could feed the dog. Another said he remembers the dog being left alone for two months with no food or water, only relying on the neighbors for nourishment.”

“The neighbors said he broke free a few times, roaming the neighborhood, but always found his way back. Multiple neighbors said they had never seen the dog off the chain in over 10 years,” Dareth said.

After hearing their testimonies, Dareth knocked on the owner’s door as she wanted to “ask for a surrender” in January 2024. There was no answer, so she returned the next two days, and still nothing. By the third attempt, she took the dog “and didn’t look back.”

She instantly took the dog to a vet to get him checked over. He’s thought to be a border collie, but the vet couldn’t tell his age as his teeth were completely ground down from years of chewing on the metal chain.

“He tested positive for Lyme disease and has a bad UTI. His urine had blood in it, and his paws were bloody from the frost. He was in dire need of a bath, and of course love and warmth,” Dareth told Newsweek.

She shared the dog’s story on Facebook, and it captured the attention of her friend’s parents. The retirees had been thinking about adopting a senior dog, and when they learned about Buddy, they wanted to help.

Dareth said it felt like “a dream come true,” and she had no doubt that they would give Buddy the best home he could wish for.

Dog in forever home
Buddy pictured in his forever home, where he’s been since January 2024.

@xoangelbabyxo / TikTok

It wasn’t without complications, however. Buddy had spent 13 years living outside by himself, so he had to adjust to his new normal. At first, they couldn’t get him to eat anything, and they had to feed him by hand until he finally gained confidence.

“He is the sweetest soul, and he follows his new mom and dad everywhere. Dogs live in the moment, and this dog is savoring them all up day by day,” Dareth said.

She continued: “He goes on lots of walks and is very friendly to other dogs, and loves getting pets from strangers. Since his new parents are retired, they can give him all the time and love he deserves.”

Raising Awareness for Animal Cruelty

Dareth acknowledges that she took a risk by rescuing Buddy and she does not condone theft. But she implores people to speak out and do something if they witness animal abuse.

Dareth shared Buddy’s story in a video on TikTok (@xoangelbabyxo) and it went viral with over 3.4 million views and 648,800 likes in a matter of days.

She had no idea Buddy’s rescue would touch so many hearts, but she believes people were “excited to see a happy ending” for once.

“I know we all have been in this situation, where we see an animal in trouble or in need, and know there is nothing we can do,” Dareth said. “If you see something, say something. Even if nothing can be done, awareness has so much power. When we know better, we do better.”

The viral TikTok video has amassed over 34,700 comments at the time of writing, as many people thanked Dareth for saving Buddy.

One comment reads: “13 years?????? No walks. No snuggles. No toys. No soft cozy bed.”

Another TikTok user wrote: “HE SUFFERED FOR 13 YEARS. That’s all I can think about. I’m literally sobbing.”

While another commenter added: “Thank you for giving him a chance at love.”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@newsweek.com and they could appear on our site.

Emma is a tech enthusiast with a passion for everything related to WiFi technology. She holds a degree in computer science and has been actively involved in exploring and writing about the latest trends in wireless connectivity. Whether it's…

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