When a volunteer from the dog rescue organization Sidewalk Specials saw children searching for kibble, she couldn’t resist asking who they were trying to feed.
The children guided her to an abandoned dog in dire condition, lying helpless on the side of the road.
Her heart shattered at the sight of the suffering animal.
Rescuing Eddie
Source: Youtube
The dog—later named Eddie—was severely emaciated and terrified of human touch. Life had been cruel to him, and he had endured unimaginable suffering.
“He’d lost a leg, making it incredibly difficult for him to walk. He was extremely weak. When he arrived [at the rescue], his eyes held only fear and emptiness,” shared Janice, Eddie’s foster mom, in an interview with The Dodo.
A veterinary examination revealed that Eddie was battling malnutrition, kidney issues, mange, and tick bite fever, meaning his recovery would take time.
His front teeth were completely worn down, likely from years of eating gravel just to survive.
Given his condition, it was clear he had been on his own for a long time. But at last, he was given the chance to heal and experience the kindness he had never known.
Source: Youtube
Eddie was placed in a loving foster home with Janice and her husband, Rolf, who cared for him deeply.
Two weeks after arriving, he wagged his tail for the first time—a small but significant breakthrough. His once-fearful eyes began to soften, showing the first signs of trust.
For a little dog who had known only hardship, this was a huge step forward.
Source: Youtube
Step by step, day by day, Eddie’s condition improved, and he slowly began to trust humans again.
But then, something unexpected happened—something so remarkable it even shocked his foster parents.
Eddie’s Color Changed
Source: Youtube
Three months after his rescue, Eddie had transformed into a much happier dog.
He started running again, and as his health improved, his coat changed completely—turning into a beautiful chocolate brown!
“His happy place is the bed he never had before. His second happy place is definitely the creek in the park. And his ball? That’s his security blanket—he’d never had a toy before!” Janice shared.
Source: Youtube
Watching Eddie learn how to play was heartwarming. After everything he had endured and the way humans had failed him, he was finally beginning to leave the past behind.
A little bit of love had made all the difference.
The rescue hoped to find Eddie a forever home and even created a beautiful video to share his story. He was incredibly well-behaved, low-maintenance, and a truly happy little soul.
Source: Youtube
However, Eddie never lived long enough to find his forever family.
Despite all the love and care he received, his time was cut short. But in his final months, he knew kindness, warmth, and the joy of simply being a dog.
Sadly, not long after his rescue, Eddie suffered organ failure and had to be put down.
“I think we can all agree that Eddie’s last three months, spent with his foster family, were the best thing that ever happened to him. 💖 Respect to his foster family for giving Eddie the chance at happiness, and prayers for their broken hearts,” Sidewalk Specials shared in their tribute.
Though Eddie’s time was short, he finally knew what it felt like to be truly loved. His foster parents cherished him deeply, and he will forever hold a special place in their hearts.