Neglected Puppy Finally Learns What Love Feels Like

Chase is only 5 months old, but he's already endured more pain than most creatures ever will. But now he's learning there's more to life than suffering.

The puppy was brought to safety last month after he and his two siblings were surrendered by their former owner to animal control officers in Washington, DC. All three dogs were in extremely poor health, having been severely neglected for their entire lives.

They had been treated so badly, in fact, that the dogs' owner has since been charged with three counts of animal cruelty.

Chase was the worst off. He was ailing from so many serious health problems, including mange, that his rescuers from the Dogs And Cats Veterinary Referral & ER (DCVR) weren't sure at first if he could even be saved.

Then he met another dog who changed everything.

Medical staff at DCVR knew that in order for Chase to survive, he would need a blood transfusion. For that, they enlisted Camden, a dog who regularly donates his blood for other pets who need it. Fortunately, the procedure was a success.

"After the transfusion, Chase became brighter, stronger, his blood sugar levels began to stabilize, and he began to better regulate his body temperature," his caretakers wrote on Facebook. "Camden's blood was like intravenous HOPE!"

Chase's condition continues to improve, but unlike his siblings, he still needs more care than a typical owner can provide. So, in the meantime, he's living with a medically trained foster mom who's keeping him healthy - and happy, too.

She is "providing him with the warm, loving home that he's never had before," DCVR wrote in the post, adding: "How lucky we all are to share in his recovery."

Though all three neglected dogs are now in good hands, with one having already found a forever home, Chase especially is still in need of a few more heroes.

The Washington Humane Society is asking for the public's help in covering the cost of the medical treatment that saved these animals' lives. Click here to make a donation.