Emaciated Dog Now ‘Picture of Health’ After Foster Carer Helps Him Recover

It may be hard to watch this viral video that shows the harsh reality of animal neglect. Harold was skin and bone when he was found wandering the streets in North Oshawa in Ontario, Canada. But now is thriving and just like any other puppy—thanks to his foster carer.

Kayleigh McGovern, a volunteer and team member at Oshawa Animal Services, decided to look after the emaciated dog who was too weak to even walk back in July. She documented his progress and shared a slideshow of images on her TikTok page.

Kathy Pittman-Feltham, the shelter manager told Newsweek: “Harold quickly captured all of our hearts and we were rooting for him to get healthy and find his forever home.”

Stray dog's transformation
On the left, Harold looks skeletal and on the right, his body appears completely different. In six days, he made a remarkable recovery and didn’t seem to be the same dog.

In the viral video that has 791,800 views, @kayleigh_mcgovern added on-screen text to explain each image. She stated he spent the first three days in bed and he didn’t have the strength to empty his bladder.

She wrote: “We shared many cuddles, watched lots of shows, and most importantly he got lots of rest.”

One image shows Harold’s skeletal body as the on-screen text explains: “This picture is still so jarring to look at. He was examined at the vet for possible causes of his emaciation. The vets concluded the only thing wrong with him was that he was essentially starving to death.”

After a few days of tender love and care, Harold started to feel stronger and became playful. Now four months on, he is just like any other puppy.

Pittman-Feltham told Newsweek: “Kayleigh helped nurse him back to health and he was then adopted by a member of the community who is a second-time adopter from us.

“He is doing phenomenal and is the perfect picture of health.”

Harold’s remarkable transformation has touched the hearts of thousands of TikTok users. But sadly, his situation wasn’t a rare case.

Foster carer
Kayleigh McGovern can be seen cuddling Harold ahead of his adoption.

Each year 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Pittman-Feltham told Newsweek: “We see many sad cases come through our doors and the team is always excited to be a part of the next chapter in their story as most times we don’t have any information on their past.

“We are hoping Harold’s story shines a light on the many cases across the rescue world that need our help.

“Fostering saves lives and Harold is a perfect example of that!

“Soulful Harmony: An Emotionally Stirring Saga of Unconditional Love as Mother Dog and Pup Weave a Tale of Resilience – Together, They Unveil a New Chapter of Hope.

Nestled in a quaint suburban haven, the enchanting tale of Max and Bella unfolded—a narrative of canine camaraderie that enchanted all who encountered it. Max, the vivacious Golden Retriever, and Bella, the tender-hearted Labrador, dwelled in neighboring abodes, sharing not just a neighborhood but a profound connection that transcended the limitations of language.

Their days were an exquisite symphony of joy and play in the nearby park, where their delightful interactions spoke a language beyond words. Max’s exuberance harmonized perfectly with Bella’s gentle nature, creating a companionship where understanding flowed effortlessly, as if they possessed an innate knowledge of each other’s thoughts and emotions.

Yet, like all narratives, their story bore moments of trials. Max’s enthusiasm once sent a vase crashing, while Bella’s curiosity left a cherished pair of shoes in disarray. The echoes of their owners’ disapproval resonated, casting a temporary shadow. In these moments, Max and Bella sought solace in each other’s silent assurance—a reassurance that their bond transcended human reproach.

United as a team, they embarked on a journey of mutual growth. Through shared experiences and challenges, they imparted virtues of patience, empathy, and perseverance to one another. Bella’s calm demeanor inspired Max to approach life with understanding, while Max’s zeal encouraged Bella to step beyond her comfort zone. In their companionship, they learned that worth was not defined by mistakes but by unwavering support and resilience.


A joyous reunion with their owners solidified the profound bond between Max and Bella, serving as a beacon of devotion and loyalty. Their companionship became a symbol of forgiveness, strength, and enduring love, spreading across the globe through viral videos. Max and Bella’s story resonated with people, depicting two dogs finding strength and solace in each other after being scolded and sidelined.

“Strength in Togetherness” wasn’t just a story; it embodied the transformative power of friendship. Max and Bella’s journey showcased how unwavering support and an unbreakable spirit could foster growth amidst adversity. Their narrative stands as a testament to the resilience of the human (and canine) spirit, inspiring others to weather challenges and cultivate enduring connections.

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