Rescued dog transforms from ‘skin and bones’ after being abandoned on the street

The dog, Peyton, was abandoned on the side of the road when she was just over a year old and was lying in a puddle when she was picked up by a nearby rescue service. Today, in a heartwarming twist, she is living her best life as part of a loving family.

“She was a stray who was found lying on the side of the road,” said Peyton’s owner Lesa Stewart Newsweek. “She was lying in a puddle in the rain. They told me she weighed about 30 pounds, skin and bones and nails were overgrown and curled.”

New Beginnings Animal Rescue in Mississippi rescued a starving and cold Peyton from the side of the road and took her in, where she received love, care and medical support.

As a Labrabull, she is a mix of American Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever. Known for its kind-hearted and loyal nature, the Labrabull has become a popular breed even though it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

They are sometimes referred to as a “designer breed” and are unfortunately often found in animal shelters due to irresponsible breeding.

While browsing the internet, Stewart stumbled upon Peyton and she said it was love at first sight.

“As soon as I saw her amazing eyes on my computer screen, I was in love and immediately sent her resume to my husband with the message that I wanted to adopt her,” she said.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. animal shelters each year, an average of 17,260 per day. The number of dogs and cats admitted to animal shelters reached 46,807 in January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared to January 2022, 24Pet’s Shelter Watch Report found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Animal shelters strive to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spay and neuter programs, and behavioral rehabilitation.

But they lived in northeast Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and were quite a distance from the shelter where Peyton was currently living.

But Stewart explained that the rescue was more than happy to help. “They were wonderful to work with and her foster mother personally drove her to us in Pennsylvania instead of putting her in a box for transport,” she explained.

Named after Stewart’s favorite quarterback, Peyton Manning, Peyton brings joy to the family even after such a heartbreaking start in life.

“She has such a loving spirit, even after everything she’s been through. She’s our bed bug and she loves giving kisses and cuddling,” Stewart said. “She enjoys meeting new people and is a great playmate with our grandchildren. She is very smart. I love her beautiful drawings, eyes and tilted head when we talk to her.”

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