Last week, in Pompano Beach, Florida, a distressing call came through to Officer Angela Laurella. Two dogs had been found abandoned, each tied to separate poles on a desolate, dead-end street. The conditions were heartbreaking—no surveillance footage and no immediate answers about how long the dogs had been left there or who could have abandoned them. What was certain, however, was the brutal heat; temperatures had reached a scorching 100 degrees, and time was quickly running out for these poor animals. Officer Laurella knew she had to act fast.

When she arrived at the scene, she was confronted by an unimaginable sight. A frail, gray dog was tethered so tightly to a pole that he could barely move, his leash cutting off any chance of freedom. This dog, whom the rescue later named Liam, was visibly suffering. He was painfully thin—emaciated and dehydrated—his bones and ribs clearly visible beneath his skin. It was evident that this dog had endured unimaginable hardship, and his suffering had been going on for far too long.

“He was tied to a pole with a very short leash,” said Amy Roman, the president and founder of 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida. “He was completely emaciated and dehydrated with every bone and rib visibly jutting out. It was clear he’d been suffering for a long time.”

As Officer Laurella approached the desperate dog, something profound happened. Liam, despite the fear and trauma he must have been feeling, reached out to her in the most gentle way possible. He placed his paw in the officer’s hand and bowed his head, silently asking for help. “She just walked toward him very slowly and reached out her hand, and he kind of cowered and gave her his paw, as if to say, ‘Please help get me out of here,’” Roman recalled. It was a moment that spoke volumes about the dog’s spirit. Despite everything he had been through, Liam still trusted humans and was asking for help.

Recognizing that Liam was in dire need of special care, Officer Laurella reached out to 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida. Even though the rescue organization was already over capacity, Amy Roman did not hesitate to offer Liam the help he desperately needed. Without a second thought, Liam was taken in, and the process of healing began.

Liam’s journey to recovery was not an easy one, but with each passing day, he began to show signs of improvement. After numerous visits to the vet, Liam’s health began to stabilize. He was malnourished and had a long road ahead of him, but the dedicated team at the rescue was determined to give him a chance at life. Now, Liam is resting comfortably in Amy Roman’s home, where he is receiving the love and care he deserves. The 17-pound pocket bully is slowly regaining his strength, and his progress has been remarkable.

“He’s receiving so much love around the clock,” Roman shared. “He’s being fed every hour on the hour so his body gets used to it. We have volunteers who are cooking batches of boiled chicken and rice, so he’s loving life right now.”

Liam’s transformation is a true testament to the power of love and care. His body is starting to heal, and his energy is returning. But beyond his physical recovery, it’s his spirit that truly stands out. Despite everything he had endured—abandonment, neglect, and abuse—Liam continues to show an incredible amount of love and affection for everyone he meets. “He loves everybody, and there’s not a mean bone in this dog’s body,” said Roman. “To me, that says it all because after everything he’s endured, he’s still so grateful and forgiving.”

Liam’s story is unfortunately not unique. In Florida, and in many other places, animals like Liam are regularly abandoned or surrendered by their owners. Shelters are overcrowded, and resources are stretched thin, making it increasingly difficult for rescues to help every animal in need. Amy Roman hopes that pet owners will reach out to shelters and rescue organizations for help and resources before they decide they can no longer care for their pets. Liam’s story proves that with the right help and love, even the most damaged animals can recover and thrive.

“We really need people to think about their pets before making the decision to abandon them,” Roman urged. “There are so many resources available, and it’s heartbreaking to see animals suffer just because their owners didn’t want them anymore.”

But Liam’s journey is a reminder of how resilient animals can be. Despite the cruel treatment he endured, Liam still has the ability to trust, love, and forgive. His willingness to reach out his paw to Officer Laurella and his immediate affection for his rescuers shows that, despite everything, he has not given up on humans. “I think humanity can definitely learn a thing or two from dogs such as Liam,” Roman said. “It just restores your faith.”

As Liam continues to heal physically and emotionally, his story serves as a beacon of hope for other animals who have been abandoned or mistreated. Liam’s gentle nature and unyielding trust in people prove that no matter how broken an animal may seem, there is always the possibility for love and forgiveness.

Liam’s road to recovery is still ongoing, but the love he’s receiving at his new home is the perfect foundation for a future filled with happiness and security. His days of being tethered to that pole are behind him, and now, he has a second chance at life—a life where he will never again know fear or neglect.

Liam’s story is one of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between animals and the people who choose to love them. His journey reminds us that every dog, no matter their past, deserves a chance to experience kindness, warmth, and happiness. And for Liam, that chance is finally here.