Rescue Dog Was 'Starved For Attention' But Now His Happiness Is Contagious

We don't deserve dogs. It's a sentiment that comes up again and again whenever someone shares footage of an abused animal who gets rescued and given a second chance at life — especially when the animal is able to forgive humans for the past mistreatment and experience joy again. 

In a video that's been viewed more than 466,000 times on YouTube, a skinny stray dog named Oscar Meyer was rescued after being tied up for at least a month. "He was just starved for attention," one of Oscar's rescuers told The Dodo. "He was so excited just to see someone there that was there to help him." After living at the rescuers' animal shelter for a week or two, one of the staff took Oscar home to foster. The sweet doggo quickly became one of the family, soon adopted by his foster family.

Viewers had harsh words for the woman who'd kept Oscar tied up, and nothing but praise for the dog's rescuers and Oscar himself. "Hearing he was tied up for a whole month broke my heart. The moment his rope was cut felt like the start of a new life ✨✨," one wrote, while another commented, "Oscar is such a beautiful dog! Seeing him run on the beach is amazing! It's freedom!" Several people praised dogs' ability to forgive, and one netizen observed, "The fact that Oscar still has this joy and zest for life! It's almost like he has boundless happiness that kept him going."

If you're ready to adopt a dog, consider choosing an animal from a shelter — especially one of the shelter dogs who take the longest to adopt: bigger dogs, and ones with darker-colored coats. In addition to saving the life of the animal you take home, you also free up a spot in the shelter for another needy pooch, who may then be able to find its forever home. Shelter dogs are usually spayed or neutered already and have had their vaccinations, plus the majority of them are potty-trained.

When bringing home a rescue dog, it's useful to keep the 3-3-3 rule in mind. For the first three days in a new home, the dog may feel overwhelmed, hide a lot, and refuse to eat or drink. After three weeks, the pooch should feel more comfortable and start following a routine, but behavior issues might also appear. After three months, the doggo should seem completely comfortable, be following a routine, and have formed a bond with the owner. As one viewer of the YouTube video put it, "Dogs are so forgiving of us humans. We are so lucky to have [a] dog's eternal loyalty and joyfulness."

Want to read about other abandoned animals who found permanent homes filled with endless love and cuddles? Grab some tissues and be ready to shed happy tears when you check out these 17 foster fails, and these 15 rescue dogs who found their forever homes.