Trust can be an elusive thing, especially for a young animal who’s seen the harsh side of life early on. This was certainly the case for a rescue puppy who captured the attention and affection of many after a video of his journey to recovery was shared online.
Puppy in pain warms up to his rescuer in heartwarming video
The puppy — affectionately called Leonardo DiCaprio due to the promise of his soon-to-be flowing blond fur — had been living alone in makeshift shelters in the jungle. At just seven to eight months old, his survival instincts were strong. The video showed how the puppy had struggled to fend for himself at such a young age.
When rescuers from Happy Doggo saw his photo, they knew they had to step in. Their first priority was giving Leonardo the gentlest possible medical bath, as his skin was painfully infested with ticks and other pests. With meticulous care, they removed every tick, paying special attention to those buried deep in his ears.
For a puppy who had never known a gentle touch, the experience must have been overwhelming yet comforting. After a hearty meal of chicken and rice, Leonardo showed signs of hope with his voracious appetite. “If his appetite is anything to go by he has a good chance of a great life,” rescuer Niall Harbison wrote in the caption of the video. The puppy then settled into a deep sleep in his new home, finally able to rest without fear.
Leonardo’s story quickly gained attention online, with the video amassing over 72K likes and 2.5K comments as of Thursday. Users expressed their joy and relief at his newfound safety, with one commenting, “You’re in safe and loving arms now little man.. get well soon, we are rooting for you.” Another added, “Poor lil dude. Has no idea how good things are gonna be from now on… this will all be like a bad dream. So grateful for the work you and your team do Niall.”
