Dog Who Was Chained Up In The Snow Finally Realizes He's Safe

[catbyte]

“This is what happiness looks like.”

BY LILY FEINN

When Roscoe’s family left him in an abandoned house, he tried to keep his spirits up.

They tied the small dog to a crate with nothing but some straw to keep him warm and drove by once a week to throw him some kibble. Even when his food and water ran out, Roscoe believed someone would come for him — one day.

But as heavy snow started to fall in southern Illinois last week, the little dog realized that he might not make it through the night.



Luckily, someone was looking out for the pup after all.

On Saturday, a concerned citizen called the Effingham County Animal Control and Shelter to report Roscoe’s situation. Officer Vanessa Skavlem and Warden Michelle Shoot knew they had to move fast if they were going to save the little dog's life.

“They called us because it had just snowed the night before, and for southern Illinois, it was a large amount of snow and super cold,” Skavlem told The Dodo. “He was just shivering to death because he was less than 10 pounds.”



As soon as Roscoe saw Skavlem and Shoot climb out of the car, he knew he was finally safe. “He was just so happy to see us, he came running out,” Skavlem said.

They wrapped Roscoe up in a blanket and bundled him into the car. Warm for the first time in weeks, Roscoe couldn’t contain his joy: “He was just so happy, you could tell," Skavlem added. "He would just whine over and over and over.”

After sharing his rescuers' lunch of biscuits and gravy, the pup finally relaxed into Shoot's arms with a big smile on his face.



It was at that moment that Skavlem snapped a photo of the relieved pup, which she posted to Facebook with the caption: “This is what happiness looks like when you rescue a little dog from living on a chain in the freezing snow.”

Now at the shelter, Roscoe spends each day safe and warm. "We have a heated environment in there, and he has all his little blankies,” Skavlem said. “When he comes into the office, he’s so happy he wiggles and jumps up on you.”



Roscoe still whines with happiness, just like the day he was rescued — especially when his rescuers are around. “He does this adorable whine that’s almost as if he’s talking to you," Skavlem said. "You know, it just feels like he has emotions and he’s grateful."

If you live in southern Illinois and are interested in adopting Roscoe, you can check him out on Petfinder.

https://www.thedodo.com/close-to-home/dog-abandoned-in-snow-happy-to-be-rescued

[Skittles]

1. what a cute little chap he is

I cannot understand why people have pets if they really don't want them.

[Lunabell]

2. What the actual fuck is wrong with people?!?

They could have taken him to a rescue organization or at least an animal shelter where he might have a chance. Thank goodness for rescuers.

[brer cat]

3. A story to make you cry

but also warm your heart. I'm so grateful for caring people who rescue animals from abuse.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

4. It did make me cry! That poor little dog. I'm so glad he's safe now.

The assholes who abused him deserve to be tied up in the snow and have kibble thrown at them once a week.

[Kaiserguy]

8. I'm with you

the person who did this deserves the same treatment.

[erronis]

5. Thanks catbyte - over and over for your heart-warming stories.

I know you also are busy commenting on some of the nastiness that certain people are inflicting on us - and I appreciate those.

[Dan]

6. Please say somewhere charge will be filed against the owners!!!!

[Evolve Dammit]

7. Thank you for posting. So many animals have no rights. I'm glad this one is going to be OK

[warmfeet]

9. Damn!

We all need to look out for one another.

Just gave my dog a big hug.

[LiberalFighter]

10. Disheartening that it came to that. Joyful that he got lucky.

He looks like he will be a very good buddy to have.

[Aussie105]

11. Who keeps their dog outside, anyway?

No snow here ever, but the two dogs and cat sleep inside.

On my queen size bed. Wife sleeps on the living room couch. Some sort of noise pollution in the bedroom, she tells me. Haven't noticed any myself . . .

Anyhow, on a cold night ie 10 degrees centigrade or lower, the dogs end up under the blankets.

Bed gets washed often, no sign of fleas, so all good.

[smirkymonkey]

12. I'm so happy the poor little pupper was rescued.

He is such a little sweetie! I hope he finds a wonderful forever home