Heroic Bystander Rescues Abandoned Dog from Cruel Kids Throwing Rocks, as the Pup Tries to ‘Blend into the Pavement’

A dog allegedly attacked by children is now getting the care and love he needs at a Kentucky shelter.

For National Love Your Pet Day on Feb. 20, Lexington Humane Society, a shelter and pet adoption agency in Kentucky, shared the story of Rudy — a dark brown pup the shelter recently took in. In an Instagram post, Lexington Humane offered Rudy’s pre-rescue story as an example of “how NOT to love a pet.”

According to the post, Rudy was found “curled up in a ball in the street” being “subjected to unthinkable cruelty.” Lexington Humane Society added on social media that “children were seen throwing rocks” at the dog “over and over again, as he tried to disappear into the pavement.” Luckily, a bystander stopped “the horror” and brought Rudy to the adoption agency’s partner, Lexington Fayette Animal Control and Care.

“Just hearing his story brought tears to our eyes… and that was before we saw his injuries,” Lexington Humane wrote.

Lexington Humane’s post included photos of Rudy and his injuries, including significant wounds to his mouth and leg. Despite his injuries, Rudy still appears joyful in the pictures.

“Half of Rudy’s jaw was degloved and hanging loose below his mouth,” the post shared of the injuries Rudy arrived with. “Several bottom teeth were uprooted but still lodged in his detached lip. His legs were covered in puncture wounds of unknown origin.”

Lexington Humane, which took over Rudy’s care from Lexington Fayette Animal Control and Care, pledged to provide Rudy with the medical care he needs to heal and asked the community for help.

“He did NOT deserve this. And we will do everything in our power to ensure he never suffers again. Rudy has been the underdog in his past, but that ends now. With your support, we will give him the medical care, love, and second chance he so desperately needs,” the post continued.

“We’ll help him heal—not just physically, but emotionally—so he can finally experience the kindness and compassion he was so cruelly denied.”

Learn more about Lexington Humane Society and support its life-saving work at the organization’s website.