A moving video of the extraordinary recovery -- and resilience -- of an abandoned dog who was left to die in a trash heap is reminding us this week of the healing power of love, friendship and second chances.
On Nov. 15, when Eldad Hagar first laid eyes on Miley, an abandoned dog living among piles of trash on the outskirts of Los Angeles, his heart broke.
"When I got there, I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing," Hagar, the co-founder of animal rescue organization Hope For Paws, told The Huffington Post of his first encounter with the pup. "It's almost as if this place was struck by a tsunami."
Miley, covered in mange and infections, was so lifeless and defeated that Hagar, who recorded the dog's rescue on camera, says she "didn't even have the energy" to run away from him as he approached her.
Hagar says he rushed to Miley's side after he heard about the pooch's plight from a local resident. The tipster told him that Miley had been living in the trash heap for at least a few months. It is believed that she was abandoned by her owners.
Though he knew that Miley wouldn't be in good shape, Hagar says he was still shocked when he finally made contact with her. Her physical deterioration was "definitely one of the worst cases" he'd ever seen, he said.
He knew he had to get Miley to a hospital right away.
Gaining the pup's trust was no easy feat, however. Hagar says he offered her food and sat with her in the pile of trash for an hour before she was finally ready to leave with him. Then he got her into his car to be brought to the vet.
"She was very lucky we rescued her when we did, because her condition would have continued to deteriorate until she would have died a miserable and painful death," Hagar said.
After examining Miley, veterinarian Dr. Lisa Youn discovered that the pooch wasn't just suffering from mange and bacterial infections, but parasites and malnutrition, as well.
"She was in so much pain," Hagar said.
Over the next two weeks, Miley got intensive medical care and was treated with antibiotics, medicine for parasites and frequent medicated baths. Slowly but surely, her spirits began to lift.
It wasn't, however, until Miley found a best friend that her recovery took a dramatic turn for the better.
Miley met Frankie the chihuahua after he was rescued from a sewer tunnel by Hagar and a friend. The tiny dog had almost drowned, Hagar said, because of a spell of heavy rain.
"He was so scared of everything," Hagar wrote of Frankie in the video. "Miley took Frankie under her wing and they quickly became really good friends."
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On Nov. 15, when Eldad Hagar first laid eyes on Miley, an abandoned dog living among piles of trash on the outskirts of Los Angeles, his heart broke.
"When I got there, I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing," Hagar, the co-founder of animal rescue organization Hope For Paws, told The Huffington Post of his first encounter with the pup. "It's almost as if this place was struck by a tsunami."
Miley, covered in mange and infections, was so lifeless and defeated that Hagar, who recorded the dog's rescue on camera, says she "didn't even have the energy" to run away from him as he approached her.
Hagar says he rushed to Miley's side after he heard about the pooch's plight from a local resident. The tipster told him that Miley had been living in the trash heap for at least a few months. It is believed that she was abandoned by her owners.
Though he knew that Miley wouldn't be in good shape, Hagar says he was still shocked when he finally made contact with her. Her physical deterioration was "definitely one of the worst cases" he'd ever seen, he said.
He knew he had to get Miley to a hospital right away.
Gaining the pup's trust was no easy feat, however. Hagar says he offered her food and sat with her in the pile of trash for an hour before she was finally ready to leave with him. Then he got her into his car to be brought to the vet.
"She was very lucky we rescued her when we did, because her condition would have continued to deteriorate until she would have died a miserable and painful death," Hagar said.
After examining Miley, veterinarian Dr. Lisa Youn discovered that the pooch wasn't just suffering from mange and bacterial infections, but parasites and malnutrition, as well.
"She was in so much pain," Hagar said.
Over the next two weeks, Miley got intensive medical care and was treated with antibiotics, medicine for parasites and frequent medicated baths. Slowly but surely, her spirits began to lift.
It wasn't, however, until Miley found a best friend that her recovery took a dramatic turn for the better.
Miley met Frankie the chihuahua after he was rescued from a sewer tunnel by Hagar and a friend. The tiny dog had almost drowned, Hagar said, because of a spell of heavy rain.
"He was so scared of everything," Hagar wrote of Frankie in the video. "Miley took Frankie under her wing and they quickly became really good friends."
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... pero el amor es más fuerte ... el amor es más fuerte
How could anyone be so cruel? That beautiful dog will carry those scars for its entire life! Why not take it to the S.P.C.A. or a no-kill shelter? I have no patience for people filled with so much hate! Clearly, the dog isn't aggressive... I hope they find a good home for each or both of them together.
How sad that Miley wanted to go back to her blanket, her only home. I hope they go to a forever home together. That would be sweet.
All it takes is a little love, and paying it forward... as Miley did by helping Frankie.
It amazes me that such despicable cowardly owners are the same species as the wonderful rescuers
thank you for caring just dont know why people can do stuff like that
I hope they get to go together.. they are just too adorable together!
what annoys me is why she was left like that for months somebody reported her being there but not soon enough
They deserve a good home after what they have been through. Thank goodness for those who rescue these animals.
i love them
i love them
Please tell me these animals are at a no kill shelter? If I had the room and money to come get both of them I would. What a inspirational video that brought me to tears. Thank you to the folks who rescued this poor and suffering animal.
Thanks so much from the bottom of my heart, Gd gives you more and more every single day!!..Ill help you tomorrow cuz I dont know where is my wallet but I promise to do that <3
god bless you helping those poor pets.
Has Miley been adopted yet. I raised a white wolf who is the splitting image of Miley except was bigger and a male. I had to put him down about 10 yrs ago in Phoenix
It was the hardest thing i ever had to do, besides bury my son
Please let me know how she is and if she is up for adoption. You can reach me at tahopp@gmail.com
If I could~I pray both dogs are kept together. The man who rescued her would be the BEST for both dogs!!! Please don't split them up! May God bless them both and they know only love and kindness.
Did Miley and Frankie Find a forever home together :)
This is so heartbreaking to see Miley in such horrible condition, it brought tears to my eyes. Such cruel humans to abandon her. Thank you mister for saving her. All it takes is TLC, the "now" picture is amazing and look at her now, beautiful girl. Was she adopted? and with Frankie?
Miley has shown everyone that you can't crush a spirit so full of love. We can all learn so much from her!
Please let me know if they adopted. This video made me gasp and cry for the hope that he was saved by this love sent man. bravo to you. I would to come and get her. dverville@yahoo.com. Thank you.