‘Dead’ Dog Was Just Waiting For The Right Person To Save Him

“He started giving me kisses. He was a total transformation."

When Judy Obregon received a photo of a poodle mix lying on a concrete driveway, she thought the dog was dead. In fact, she was sure of it. But when Obregon went to collect the dog’s body, she got the biggest surprise.

Before receiving the dead dog photo, Obregon, founder of a dog rescue group called The Abandoned Ones, had gone looking for the poodle mix in a neighborhood in Fort Worth, Texas. A resident had explained that the dog was running around the area as a stray, and local kids were tormenting him.

Dog who looks dead lying on the ground
The photo Obregon received of the "dead" poodle mix | Judy Obregon

“Kids were throwing food out on the street, so the dog would run out onto the street,” Obregon told The Dodo. “Then neighbors saw some children tying a water hose around his neck.”

Obregon visited the neighborhood three times, but each time she couldn’t find the dog. Then she got the photo of the dog from the same resident who initially contacted her — this person thought the dog was dead as well.

“I started crying because I felt like I didn’t do enough,” Obregon said. “I felt like I wasn’t there on time to get to this dog before he ended up in this situation.”

But when Obregon returned to the neighborhood, she was astonished to find that the dog was still alive.

Woman cuddling poodle in her arms
Obregon holding Gully after she rescued him | Judy Obregon

“When I came to him, he was still in the same spot, but his head was up,” Obregon said. “I was probably the happiest person in the world.”

But the dog, whom Obregon named Gully, was in rough shape. While he didn’t have any physical injuries, he was dehydrated and weak. Obregon doesn’t believe he would have survived for another day.

Poodle eating and drinking
Gully getting some food and water after being rescued | Judy Obregon

Gully was also terrified, which was understandable after what he’d gone through. But once he was in the car with Obregon, he quickly relaxed.

“He started giving me kisses,” Obregon said. “He was a total transformation, I would say, within 48 hours.”

Poodle kissing woman's face
Gully kissing Obregon after being rescued | Judy Obregon

Obregon took Gully to the vet, where he stayed for a couple of days. Then Gully went home with Obregon before moving in with Obregon’s friend, Crystal Hampton, who fostered Gully until he found his forever family.

Poodle relaxing on the couch
Judy Obregon

“After a few days, he just came out of his shell,” Obregon said. “He was just so happy. There were times when I even think he smiled because he was so happy.”

Poodle kissing person on the face
Judy Obregon

“We showed him that not all humans were bad,” Obregon added. “And animals are so resilient, and he put his past behind him the moment he was rescued.”

Gully eventually found the perfect home. “The last update I got was that he was living life to the fullest,” Obregon said.

Man holding two dogs in his arms
Gully with his forever family | Judy Obregon

And Obregon couldn’t be happier. “This is why I do what I do,” Obregon said. “And I have to say that if it wasn’t for that neighbor, who I will never know, Gully wouldn’t be alive. She pretty much was the one who saved his life.”

Poodle cuddling teddy bear on carpet
Judy Obregon
If you’re interested in adopting a dog from The Abandoned Ones, check out its adoption page. You can also help rescue other dogs in the Fort Worth area by making a donation to the rescue group.

Thinking about adopting? Then meet Dodo Adoptbot, an interactive guide for new pet parents. Get started on Facebook Messenger or text HOME to 38349.