There are many reasons that someone might abandon their dog. Whether it is from an inability to no longer care for the pet or a loss in interest, among other reasons, simply abandoning them is the worst thing that a pet owner can do. Regardless of why they do it, many of these animals usually end up at the local animal shelter, if they are lucky.

Fortunately for one abandoned pup, someone found him who was willing to give him a second chance at a happy life.

A dog lover spots a strange box

Shannon already had three rescue dogs of her own, but when she found a pit bull puppy abandoned in a box in a parking lot, she couldn’t help but take on one more. She had seen a man dump the box from her security camera.

Shannon found a puppy in bad shape

Upon investigating, she found a weak pit bull puppy who was in bad shape and needed help immediately. The poor puppy, which she named Jiminy Cricket, was losing patches of fur. He also had two different colored eyes, a condition called heterochromia.

“He was in such a terrible condition,” Shannon shared with The Dodo. “But he was still fighting and he was still hanging on.”

Shannon takes on her fourth rescue dog

Determined to nurse him back to health, Shannon took Jiminy Cricket into her home. After only a few days, the puppy was showing some improvement.

It took a lot of her time and resources, but slowly he was getting healthier. He even had his favorite bed picked out after only a few days in her home.

Jiminy Cricket grows physically and emotionally

After only a week, Jiminy Cricket had recovered physically. Also, he had started to trust Shannon and her family, something that an abandoned dog has a hard time doing. Maybe it was because he was so young when he was left to die in the box.

He even started letting the family cuddle with him.

The family decides to adopt Jiminy Cricket

Before too long, Jiminy Cricket had outgrown his bed and was bigger than Shannon’s other three dogs. He also had endeared himself to Shannon and her family, and before too long they had come to a decision. They were going to adopt him.

“This dog has been with us and has become such a part of our family,” Shannon said. “So, we decided that Jiminy Cricket is staying with us and is going to be our fourth rescue dog.”

Now, thanks to Shannon, Jiminy Cricket is a big dog with an even bigger heart. He also has found a home where he is loved.

“The boys and I could not imagine our life without Jiminy Cricket in it,” she said.

For more of Jiminy Cricket’s inspiring story, watch the video below.

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Source: The Dodo

H/T: Animal Channel, The Dodo