During a walk near the St. Rose of Lima Church in Brooklyn’s Kensington neighborhood, a compassionate individual stumbled upon a distressing scene.
A forlorn and severely neglected little dog had been unceremoniously thrown over the church’s six-foot-high spiked fence, which was securely locked.
Shocked by the dog’s dire situation, this Good Samaritan urgently reached out for assistance on social media. Luckily, NYC Second Chance Rescue responded quickly and rushed to the scene.
The Tale of Saint’s Rescue
When the rescuers arrived, they were astonished by what they found. The small dog was in horrendous condition—overgrown and matted beyond belief.
Because the church was surrounded by a tall, spiked fence, it was clear that someone had deliberately abandoned him there.
“Upon our arrival, an extremely dirty and matted little boy lay on the church steps. We were able to climb over the fence, treats in hand, to bring him to safety,” NYC Second Chance Rescue recounted in a Facebook post.
One rescuer, Jennifer, who had a gymnastics background, skillfully managed to scale the fence.
Approaching the little dog cautiously, she anticipated that he would be frightened and anxious; however, he proved to be the opposite.
He greeted her with friendliness, extending his tiny paw as though seeking assistance.
“I extended my hand for him to sniff and gauge my presence, and he lifted his paw to rest in my hand. It was almost as if he was pleading for help,” Jennifer shared with We Love Animals.
After a short petting session, she was able to lift him up effortlessly, climb back over the fence, and secure him in her vehicle for a trip to the vet.
The dog’s friendly demeanor suggested he had been loved once, leaving one to wonder how anyone could let him fall into such neglect.
Saint’s Remarkable Transformation
“His condition was dreadful and heartbreaking. His fur had become so matted that it was hard and encased around much of his body. The odor was unbearable,” the rescue organization shared.
Despite his tragic state, he was named Saint and was remarkably gentle with his rescuers.
He showed no signs of fear or aggression, simply remaining in the spot where he had been abandoned, which was even more sorrowful.
“This little guy is no older than two years. The ugly mats that wrapped around him had accumulated over time, and it’s painful to think someone watched him suffer like this,” the rescue revealed.
At the vet, Saint was thoroughly shaved and received the medical attention he needed. After shedding all the matted fur, he was almost two pounds lighter and felt much better.
His transformation was astonishing. “I couldn’t believe it was the same dog after they shaved him… he looked so beautiful,” Jennifer exclaimed.
A New Chapter for Saint
Shortly following his rescue, a woman came across Saint’s story on social media and felt an immediate connection, deciding she had to adopt him.
It was revealed that Saint’s new mom, Melanie, had spent eight years attending school at that very church where he was abandoned. She felt it was truly meant to be.
“She was incredible and wanted to spoil him, providing him with the best possible home, making for a beautiful new beginning for Saint,” Jennifer stated.
Saint is flourishing in his forever home, and while he enjoys the company of the whole family, he has formed a particularly close bond with four-year-old Stella. They are now the best of friends.
Saint delights in snuggling, playing fetch, running around the yard, and simply relishing his newfound happiness and health.
