Dog was ‘barely clinging to life’ along South Dakota road. See his transformation
A dog in South Dakota is basking in the glow of a brand new family and home after being discovered tip-toeing with death.
When Hagrid, a black Great Dane, was found, he was a shell of himself and on the verge of dying, the Sioux Falls Arena Humane Society said in a Feb. 6 Facebook post.
“Hagrid’s story is one of strength, compassion, and second chances. When his finders discovered the frail Great Dane lying on the side of the road, he was cold, motionless, and barely clinging to life,” the shelter said in a post that includes graphic photos of the sickly pup. “His ribs jutted sharply, and his eyes were sunken with exhaustion. So weak he could barely even lift his head, he was fading fast.”
The shelter acted as quickly as it could to fight for the dying dog.
“We rushed him to emergency care, where veterinarians fought to stabilize him,” the shelter continued. “For five tense days, Hagrid received IV fluids and care as we anxiously waited, hoping he had enough fight left in him. Finally, he was stable enough to leave the hospital and enter foster care.”
Clearly, it wasn’t Hagrid’s time, and after stabilizing the large pup, the shelter had work ahead when it came to transforming him into a healthy-sized dog his breed is meant to be.
“With patience, love, and a careful feeding schedule, his foster helped Hagrid rediscover joy and strength. Each day, he grew steadier, brighter, and more confident,” the shelter said.
And now, he doesn’t even look like the same dog that was struggling to breathe all alone.
“A month later, Hagrid returned to us transformed — 30 pounds heavier and filled with life. He became a social butterfly, leaning his massive body into anyone willing to cuddle. His playful puppy spirit emerges the moment he sees a ball, chasing it with an ear-flapping pounce and boundless joy.”
Hagrid’s story gets even better: He’s found his very own family and has completed “his remarkable journey from hardship to happiness,” the shelter said.
For more information on other adoptable pets, visit the shelter’s website.
This story was originally published February 7, 2025 at 11:35 AM with the headline "Dog was ‘barely clinging to life’ along South Dakota road. See his transformation."