Dog tied to pole reached out paw to the policeman who came to rescue him

Last week, Officer Angela Laurella got a report of 2 dogs tied to poles in Pompano, Fla.

Since there were no cameras in the area, it was impossible to know how long the dogs had been there or who had abandoned them. But when the temperature outside rose to 100 degrees, Laurella knew there was no time to lose.

She rushed out there to find the frail gray dog tied to a pole so tight he could barely move.

He was tied to the pole with a very short leash. He was absolutely emaciated, dehydrated, every bone and rib sticking out.»

The dog, now named Liam, put his paw on the officer’s hand and bowed his head to receive affection. «She just walked up to him very slowly and held out her hand, and he kind of chickened out and held out his paw, as if to say, ‘Please help get me out of here,'» Roman said.

Officer Laurella saw that Liam was having a tough life and needed special care, so she reached out to 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida for help. Even though the rescue service was overwhelmed, Roman didn’t hesitate to take Liam in.

After numerous visits to the vet, Liam is now resting at Roman’s home, where the 17-pound pocket bull terrier is slowly gaining strength — and eating better than ever before.

«He gets so much love around the clock,» Roman says. «They feed him for an hour every hour to get his body used to it … We have volunteers who make servings of boiled chicken and rice, so he’s loving life now.»

Although Liam has a long way to go and many vet visits in his future, he has been a ray of sunshine since his rescue.

«He loves everyone, and there’s not a mean bone in this dog’s body,» Roman said. «To me, that speaks for itself because after everything he’s been through, he’s still so grateful and forgiving.»

Liam is one of many animals recently abandoned or surrendered by their owners in Florida.

With many shelters bursting from lack of funds, Roman hopes that animal owners will reach out to shelters and rescues for help and resources before deciding they can no longer care for their pets. And Liam is proof that every dog deserves a second chance.

Despite everything he’s been through, Liam is still reaching out to people, proving that he’s ready for a life with a loving family.

«I think humanity can learn something from dogs like Liam,» Roman said. «He’s just restoring your faith.»