A Dog Nearly Died After Being Dragged Over 600 Ft. Behind a Truck. Here’s How He Survived the Abuse

A dog rescued after being dragged while tied to a truck has found his forever home with a loving family just in time for the holidays.

According to the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA), the young collie mix, named “Sunny” by veterinarians, was treated for abrasions on his paw pads and also suffered from bruising.

The canine was prescribed antibiotics for an infection to his carpal pads and given pain medication to aid in his healing.

“This is such a sad story. The dog had been tethered to a vehicle,” Eileen Drever, senior officer of protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA, said in a statement in October.

“Someone got into the truck and drove off, dragging him for about 200 metres. He has abrasions to his front and back paw pads and hocks, (the joint between the dog’s hind leg and foot) and his nails were shredded,” Drever continued. “He is also under weight with a body score of two out of nine, which is very thin.”

Under the care of the BC SPCA, the pup gained about 4 lbs. after being underweight when he was rescued.

“Everyone is so impressed at his resiliency,” she added. “Sunny loves spending time outside in the sunshine, playing in the field with staff and volunteers. He is a huge fan of cuddles in his kennel and loves nothing more than hanging out with people.”

Last week, the BC SPCA gave an update on the collie mix, who now has a new name and a new family.

“We changed his name to Buddy,” his new owner Darlene told the organization. “We have always adopted dogs from shelters. There is nothing more fulfilling than bringing a dog back from a bad situation and giving them a happy life. It fills my heart.”

She added that Buddy is living his best life on a 12-acre property with her and her husband Rudy, who have a long-standing history of adopting and working with rescue animals.

“When my husband and I met Buddy, it was love at first sight. He was playing in the gated yard of the animal centre and was wearing a cone because he had just been neutered,” Darlene said. “He saw us and ran over to us and started to give us kisses. Our heads were stuck in the cone with his. The BC SPCA staff that were in the yard with him couldn’t believe how quickly he warmed up to us.”

According to his new owners, in addition to playing outdoors, Buddy loves the toys the couple gifted him.

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“We have a toy box in our dining room. He goes in every day and pulls out every single one of them,” Darlene said, noting his favorite one seems to be a squeaky lamb. “Every morning, we walk around the house picking them up.”

Special moments for Buddy and his new family include the couple hearing him bark for the first time, and seeing him comfortably resting on dad Rudy.

“It was so rewarding when he laid on his back for the first time and let us give him tummy rubs. He is such a good boy,” Darlene continued.

The family is still figuring out their Christmas plans, as Darlene noted, “He growled at a Santa display so we will have to see how it goes.”