Rescuer find a paralyzed, starving dog hiding in a trash pile, and she melts into his arms: 'she immediately started trusting him.'

Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor

Sep 26, 2026 11:30 AM EDT

We think all animal rescue organizations' workers and volunteers need extra recognition for the hard and important work they're doing.

We know volunteering in your local animal shelter is not something that can be demanded from people just like that. We get it. Life is already way too busy, there are so many things to do, and sometimes dedicating extra time to something is not possible. That's why it's called volunteering. But we really think it's important to acknowledge the important volunteer work done by people who did find the time and energy to do so. These animal shelter volunteers do what every animal lover wishes they could - and they literally save animal lives.

A few months ago, we went as a team to volunteer with dogs in a nearby local shelter. We took our combined Cheezburger skills and put them to work - we filmed the dogs, learned about their life stories, and compiled it all for snazzy adoption videos and social media posts for the shelter to use. We also got to spend the day with the dogs at the shelter, which were the cutest doggos ever. It was a day we'd never forget. Each of us shares the same opinion on the matter - volunteering with animals in need makes you feel better.

And to think there are people who do it on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis… They are true heroes. And these are the people we want to highlight here - just like this one rescuer down below, working with his animal rescue organization. This is just one example of the wholesome work they do every day. This is one dog's life saved, and they constantly save more. Heroes, truly.

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This is such a heartbreaking sight. No dog should ever find themselves living like that, hiding in fear, surrounded by trash. But this good girl was found, saved, her wounds treated. This is the happy ending all stray dogs deserve.
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Seeing her relaxing in the rescuer's arms right after being picked up is a heartwarming sight indeed. We think she knows he means well, even if she's very afraid.
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