In the quiet town of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Lisa Reams, founder of Saving Grace Animal Rescue, received a heartbreaking call. A puppy had been spotted abandoned near a dumpster, without food, water, or shelter. Lisa, a lifelong animal advocate, knew there was no time to waste. She immediately set out to find the helpless animal, determined to change the course of his life.
The Search for a Frightened Soul
When Lisa first arrived at the location, she found nothing. She called out softly, searching every corner around the dumpster, but there was no sign of the puppy. Trusting her instincts, she returned an hour later. As the sun dipped lower, she finally spotted him: a small, terrified puppy cowering next to the dumpster, trying desperately to stay hidden.
Approaching slowly, Lisa spoke in a soothing voice. The frightened pup, later named Oscar, was too overwhelmed to understand she was there to help. He whimpered and tried to crawl under the dumpster to escape, his tiny body trembling with fear. Despite his panic, Lisa gently scooped him up, holding him close as he cried in her arms.
Rescue and First Steps to Recovery
Oscar’s frail body showed the toll his short life had taken. He was filthy, painfully thin, and battling visible health issues. Lisa conducted a careful search of the area to make sure no other animals had been left behind. “I did a thorough search of the area, looked inside the dumpsters, underneath the dumpsters with a flashlight. He was the only one here,” Lisa shared later on TikTok.
With no microchip found, it was clear Oscar had no one looking for him. Lisa, whose rescue was already full, reached out to Angie Young at Southern Mutts in Greenwood, Mississippi. Without hesitation, Angie agreed to take Oscar into her rescue once he was healthy enough for adoption.
Until then, Lisa opened her home and heart to the little pup.
Finding Comfort for the First Time
Back at her home, Lisa provided Oscar with everything he had been missing: a warm bed, a nourishing meal, and a gentle bath. The next day, she took him to the veterinarian. Oscar, only around six weeks old, was diagnosed with hookworm and ringworm, common parasites among neglected puppies. A deworming treatment was prescribed, beginning the next phase of his recovery.
Lisa also returned to the original site to search once more for Oscar’s mother or siblings, but sadly, no others were found. Oscar had truly been left alone.
Learning to Trust Again
At first, Oscar remained wary. He flinched at human touch and seemed unsure how to respond to kindness. Lisa was patient, giving him time, space, and gentle reassurance. Over the days that followed, Oscar slowly opened up. His tail started to wag, and he learned to nuzzle into Lisa’s hand, seeking affection instead of hiding from it.
Lisa filled a basket with toys and stuffed animals, letting Oscar experience play for what may have been the first time. His spirit blossomed. He explored his new world with curiosity, and the light returned to his once-fearful eyes.
A Bright Future Awaits
Oscar will remain with Lisa until he is completely healthy and ready for adoption. Southern Mutts will then help find him a forever family who will shower him with the love and security he deserves.
Oscar’s transformation is a beautiful reminder of how resilience and kindness can rebuild even the most broken spirits. His journey from a terrified puppy by a dumpster to a joyful, trusting companion is a testament to what hope, patience, and compassion can achieve.
Please SHARE Oscar’s story to inspire others to never turn away from animals in need. Every life matters! Click play below to meet Oscar and see how far he’s come.
@lili_marie50 An afternoon with Oscar. He’s doing great and really coming around! He’s such a good boy. 💙 #oscartherescuepup #oscar #animalrescue #rescuepuppy ♬ Three Little Birds – Bob Marley & The Wailers