Abandoned with Just a Bed and Bowl, This Dog’s Life Changed with One Kind Act

TikTokker @bristexastails regularly visits the BARC animal shelter in Houston, Texas, as a volunteer to highlight and network for dogs needing homes and at risk of euthanasia.

A few months ago, she wanted to experience a different side of rescue. “I’ve picked up many strays over the past decade but I’ve never gone street feeding,” she shared on TikTok. “A good friend let me join her on her route and this baby is the very first dog we came upon.”

The tiny, dirty dog had been abandoned with his bed and water bowl at a dumping site known to dog rescuers. He looked so forlorn as they approached him—dirty and full of fleas. But little did he know, his life was about to change.

@bristexastails Today I went to experience a new side of rescue. I’ve picked up many strays over the past decade but I’ve never gone street feeding. A good friend let me join her on her route and this baby is the very first dog we came upon. He was dumped with his bed and water bowl at a very popular dumping site. I’m so thankful @Pippy's Pals said yes let’s take him because I can’t imagine what the streets are like for a dog who is so young and unaware of how to survive on his own. We will never know why his owner decided to dump him but he’s safe now and is going to live a great life from here on out! We will be fostering him and once he has completed his vetting and is neutered he will be available for adoption! #adoptdontshop #fosteringsaveslives #rescuedog #houstontx #houston ♬ Paper Birds (3 min) – Jordan Halpern Schwartz

@bristexastails picked him up and brought him home, where she cleaned him up and named him Furby. Pippy’s Pals Rescue agreed to help with Furby’s care and adoption. “I’m so thankful @Pippy’s Pals said yes let’s take him because I can’t imagine what the streets are like for a dog who is so young and unaware of how to survive on his own,” @bristexastails wrote.

As soon as Furby was bathed, fed, and petted, he got a well-deserved sleep.

Over the following weeks, @bristexastails took care of him. At the vet, she learned he was around two to three years old and a Shih Tzu mix. He had hookworms, which were treated, and he was neutered.

@bristexastails

Furby had his first vet appointment today and it went great! The vet thinks he’s not a puppy like we originally thought but more around 2-3. The only bad news was he has hookworms, but that’s an easy fix! Next he will be neutered and then we will find him his forever home! Thank you so much to everyone for your love and support! Furby is living his best life now! ❤️ #adoptdontshop #furby #rescuedog #fosteringsaveslives #houstontx #houston

♬ Let Things Go – Caamp

Furby’s original rescue video received over 20 million views on TikTok, and hundreds of adoption applications flooded in. Within a few weeks, Furby found his forever home. Pippy’s Pals Rescue reviewed over 200 applications and matched him with a wonderful family and a “confident pup” who will help him navigate the world.

“We will never know why his owner decided to dump him but he’s safe now and is going to live a great life from here on out,” @bristexastails said. Furby is adjusting wonderfully to his new home and has a great new life thanks to the efforts of @bristexastails and her friends.