A beagle mix named Copper celebrated his first Christmas safe and warm indoors with a loving family after being rescued from the end of a chain, where he lived neglected every day exposed to the elements without shelter.
The eight-year-old dog looked emaciated, and there was no water bowl, when rescuers approached him. They later discovered he was also plagued with parasites.
It all started with a winter phone call from an anonymous tipster who alerted the Twin County Humane Society in Galax, Virginia, saying there was a very thin dog tied up outside that may be in need of help.
The humane society asked two PETA fieldworkers—who were in town for an event that sterilized 229 cats and dogs for free—to investigate. A local animal control officer joined Adam and Jenny on the scene and discovered that Copper was kept unattended outside on a tether that allowed only 4 feet of movement with no doghouse or shelter.
Despite the neglect, from the moment the PETA coworkers met him, Copper was amazingly sweet-natured. After the dog’s owner understood that she could face a criminal charge of cruelty-to-animals, she signed over ownership of the pup.
They immediately secured veterinary care and the sweet animal was adopted by PETA staffers Katherine Sullivan and Dan Paden, who were newlyweds planning their first holiday together. (See the heartwarming video at the bottom…)
“Copper’s recovery and his happy new life are all thanks to one good Samaritan: a mystery caller I will forever think of as my sweet beagle’s ‘Secret Santa’,” wrote Katherine in a blog post.
With his bodyweight nearly doubled and his spirit fully renewed, for the first time in his life Copper’s Christmas season included strolls through dog-friendly parks, plenty of healthy treats under the tree—and best of all, a family that loves and protects him.
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“The weather outside might be frightful, but inside it’s so delightful for Copper (at last), all thanks to one caring person who spoke up when they saw an animal in need,” said PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch.
Copper not only loves other dogs, but cats, too, which proved perfect for Dan and Katherine’s family, which includes three rescued cats in a home where he will enjoy the rest of his golden years.
Watch the heartwarming happy ending…
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