If you have ever seen or rescued an abused animal, you have an idea of the fear they often have for humans. So, it must take a lot for an abused dog to approach someone for help.

When a rescuer in Orlando, Florida, was approached by a dog covered in scars, she didn’t know what to expect.

Furever Bully Love Rescue works to help stray dogs in The Redlands in Florida

Natalie Olivieri, vice president of Furever Bully Love Rescue, works hard to feed strays and other unwanted animals living at a popular dumping ground in Orlando, called The Redlands. With thousands of dogs reported to be living in the area, it is an everyday job just to keep them fed and healthy.

“The place is pretty much a dumping ground of dogs,” Olivieri told The Dodo. “People just leave them there.”

The rescue group teams up with others to feed some of the dogs

Teaming up with another organization, the Redland Rock Pit Abandoned Dog Project, Furever Bully Love Rescue raised money to feed some of the dogs in the area. The plan was also to rescue a few of the dogs in The Redlands. Soon after arriving at the dumping ground, the group of volunteers was approached by some of the dogs living in the area.

Olivieri was approached by a scared dog named Harper. A one-year-old hound mix, Harper was known to the volunteers as they had seen her on previous trips to the area.

“Harper came out with about five other dogs,” Olivieri said. “As soon as Harper approached us and we met, she just completely fell on the ground in fear.”

Harper is taken to the vet for treatment

From the looks of Harper, she had been neglected and abused before she was dumped. Harper’s whole body was covered in scars, seemingly caused by the abuse she had suffered. Olivieri embraced her in an attempt to reassure her that everything was going to be OK.

“We had to pick Harper up,” Olivieri said. “We didn’t even put her in a crate at this point, so we put a blanket on the floor.”

Soon, the rescuers were on their way back to Orlando, along with Harper and two other dogs, their destination was the vet. Once there, Harper was treated for anemia, worms, and a tooth infection.

Harper finds a forever home

After being treated, Harper was placed with a foster family where she could get better. Her foster mom, Cheryl Kessler, worked with Harper to prepare her for the day she could be adopted. Soon, that day arrived, and Harper was on her way to her forever home.

Forever Bully Love Rescue

Furever Bully Love Rescue is a foster-based animal rescue in Orlando, Florida, that works with the stray dog population in the Florida area, pit bulls in particular. Their goal is to give a voice to this often-misunderstood breed. For more on this group and how you can donate or adopt, visit its Facebook page.

The Redlands

Watch this video with more on The Redlands, in Orlando, Florida, and what rescuer groups are doing to help the huge stray dog population that lives there.

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Source: The Rescue Realtor Rebecca Lynch

H/T: We Love Animals, The Dodo