Dog shelter staff are horrified when they see this shockingly emaciated pup

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - How did he survive? The staff at the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) in Philadelphia were horrified when they first saw the skeletal dog Jeremiah last year. The poor four-legged friend was literally just skin and bones.

The staff at the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) in Philadelphia were horrified when they first saw the skeletal dog Jeremiah last year.
The staff at the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) in Philadelphia were horrified when they first saw the skeletal dog Jeremiah last year.  © Collage: Screenshots/Facebook/Pennsylvania SPCA

"At just 27 pounds, he was severely emaciated - skin and bones, barely able to stand," the PSPCA wrote in a Facebook post.

"Even our veterinary team couldn’t believe he could walk."

The shelter staff knew little about the stray's previous history, but they were deeply touched when they realized how much love the sick dog still had to give.

Lost French bulldog found a year later – and almost 200 miles from home!
Dogs Lost French bulldog found a year later – and almost 200 miles from home!

"Even when he was in such a critical state, he was still so happy and eager to greet his friends," a PSPCA spokesperson told The Dodo in an interview.

Fortunately, Jeremiah's doctors and caregivers quickly put together the right plan to save him.

How is this severely neglected dog doing now?

Within a few weeks, the dog put on so much weight that he could be placed with his first family.
Within a few weeks, the dog put on so much weight that he could be placed with his first family.  © Screenshot/Facebook/Pennsylvania SPCA

Of course, the main priority was to give the emaciated dog the right food in the right dosage, which involved several animal experts monitoring him for weeks.

The work paid off, as Jeremiah doubled his weight quickly.

Life also returned to the four-legged friend – he was finally able to play and romp around again!

Dog goes missing in the mountains for 43 days – can they find him before it's too late?
Dogs Dog goes missing in the mountains for 43 days – can they find him before it's too late?

This zest for life was soon observed by a couple who had recently lost their previous dog.

"They fell in love with Jeremiah during the meet and were fully prepared to help him transition to home life," said a PSPCA spokesperson.

However, there was one thing his new owners didn't like about Jeremiah: his name. So they decided to rename him Tucker without further ado.

"He fits in like he’s been here for years," his owner told The Dodo. "He brings a lot of joy to my life that I’ve been missing!"

This rescue really has changed everything in the dog's life – and, in the end, even his name.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshots/Facebook/Pennsylvania SPCA

More on Dogs: