An abandoned pup named Seamus was discovered roaming the streets of New York City in heartbreaking condition before being taken to Manhattan Animal Care & Control.
At just 22 pounds, the frail dog weighed less than half of what a healthy 45-pound pup his size should.
When staff at North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, learned of his case and saw how severely underweight and injured he was, they acted without hesitation. Seamus needed immediate medical attention, nourishment, and gentle care to give him a chance at survival and recovery.
Rescuers Meet A Dog In Need Of Hope
When Dr. Deana Merino, medical director of North Shore Animal League, first encountered Seamus, she was overcome with sadness and disbelief.
The poor dog’s fragile body was marked with open wounds and painful sores, evidence of his suffering and neglect.
“When I first saw him, it was heartbreaking. He could barely move. It was so sad. I was feeling angry and upset. How can people do this to a dog like him? How did it get this bad,“ Merino told PEOPLE.
Shortly afterward, supervising veterinarian Dr. Gerard Laheney examined Seamus and shared her reaction. In his two decades of work at the rescue, he said he had rarely seen a case so severe.
Blood tests confirmed anemia, but there were no underlying illnesses. Dr. Laheney concluded that Seamus had simply been starved and left to fend for himself.
Despite his frailty, Seamus greeted his caregivers with gentleness and quiet gratitude. They laid him on a soft bed where he could finally rest without fear.
As they spoke to him in soothing voices and stroked his fur, Seamus responded with calm affection. His eyes lit up, and he even managed a weak tail wag, a small sign that he understood he was safe at last.
Fostering Recovery With Love And Care
Deeply moved by Seamus’s spirit, Merino decided to take him home as a foster so she could oversee his healing firsthand.
“With my medical background, I know I can help him gain weight the right way, feed him well, and offer him the love and care he deserves,” Merino added.
Under her careful supervision, Seamus was placed on a nutritious high-protein diet, his meals carefully portioned to build his strength without overwhelming his fragile body.
Day by day, progress came. His energy slowly returned, his anemia improved, and the spark in his eyes grew brighter.
Once he is fully recovered, Seamus will be neutered and prepared for adoption. Though still rebuilding his stamina, he has already begun trotting beside Merino’s own dogs, eager to play and be part of the pack.
Seamus continues to push forward with quiet determination. Merino believes he will make a wonderful companion for a future family, one that will cherish his kind nature and loving heart.The resilience of this gentle pup and his unwavering will to live stand as a powerful reminder of how compassion and care can heal even the deepest wounds.
