An 8-year-old dog named Copper is celebrating his first Christmas filled with love, warmth, and joy after a heartbreaking start in life.
For years, Copper has lived tethered outdoors in freezing conditions near Galax, Virginia. Copper was emaciated, infected with parasites, and without adequate shelter, food, or water when a local good Samaritan stepped in. Now affectionately known as his "Secret Santa"—the caller alerted the Twin County Humane Society to Copper's situation.
Fieldworkers from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) joined forces with the local humane society to perform a welfare check on the neglected dog. They discovered Copper shivering in the cold, with ribs and hip bones protruding from his frail body and only 4 feet of chain to restrict his movements. Despite his suffering, Copper greeted his rescuers with remarkable sweetness.
Law enforcement was called to the scene, and Copper's owner surrendered the dog to PETA officers who instantly started caring for him.
In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent when compared to 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system, compared to the same time the year before.
Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
After the rescue, Copper received urgent veterinary care and placed in a loving foster home, but in even happier news, he has now found a forever home—just in time for the festive season.
He was adopted by Katherine Sullivan and Daniel Paden, two PETA staffers who welcomed him into their lives just in time to celebrate their first holiday season as newlyweds.
This Christmas will see a series of firsts for Copper, including treats under the tree and plenty of cuddles in front of the fire.
"The weather outside might be frightful, but for Copper, life indoors is finally delightful," said PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch said in a statement. "This heartwarming story shows the power of speaking up. We urge everyone to follow this good Samaritan's example—because every animal deserves comfort and joy."
While Copper is facing a happy Christmas in his new home, there are many pups that are still looking for homes this festive season, like a number of dogs at the Humane Society in Naples, Florida, who are facing their fourth Christmas in the shelter.
Fabio, a 4-year-old dog in the care of Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) in Texas, was taken for a Christmas trip to look at the festive lights, but is still hoping for his own Christmas miracle of a forever home.
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