When a 4-month-old puppy arrived at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter in Ohio in April 2016, his future looked heartbreakingly grim. So ill that he couldn’t even open his mouth to eat, the tiny dog was suffering—but still found the strength to wag his tail and shower everyone with affection.

Veterinarians initially believed the puppy, later named Squish, had contracted a severe infection from a dog bite. His face was visibly deformed, and despite a hopeful course of antibiotics, his condition only worsened. As he grew weaker and struggled to eat, a painful decision was made: Squish was to be euthanized. The team believed ending his suffering was the kindest thing to do.

But Squish’s spirit hadn’t given up—and neither had the people around him.

A Last-Minute Discovery

Before proceeding with euthanasia, the shelter arranged for Squish to undergo X-rays with a specialist. What they discovered changed everything.

Contrary to their original belief, Squish’s facial deformity wasn’t due to an infection at all. The scans revealed multiple untreated fractures to his skull and upper right jaw. Over time, scar tissue had formed, locking his jaw in place and preventing it from growing normally. It was this trauma that had left him unable to eat or open his mouth.

A Second Chance No One Expected

The only hope for Squish was an extensive surgery—one that came with a steep price tag and no adopter in sight. His health challenges made finding a forever home difficult, and with no immediate options, time was running out.

Enter Danielle Boyd, a veterinary intern finishing her rotation at the shelter. On Squish’s final night, she decided to take him home, hoping to give him at least one peaceful evening outside of a kennel.

What she didn’t expect was to fall in love.

“I was blown away by how trusting and loving he was, despite everything he’d been through,” Danielle shared. That night, Squish curled up in her arms and slept soundly—safe for the first time in who knows how long. By morning, Danielle knew she couldn’t let him go.

A Life-Saving Operation

Danielle wasn’t alone in her devotion. Eileen Heldmann, the vet who had originally examined Squish, also stepped forward to help. She performed the critical surgery the very next day.

The procedure was a success. One of Squish’s teeth, an eye, and part of his jaw had to be removed, but the results were life-changing. For the first time, he could eat on his own.

Danielle described the joy of witnessing Squish’s progress: “I cried seeing his excitement as he picked up a tennis ball for the first time. That was only the beginning of his little victories.”

Healing Together

As Squish healed, his playful personality began to emerge. He adored collecting tennis balls, cuddling, and following Danielle wherever she went.

In a touching twist of fate, Danielle had lost her own dog just two days before meeting Squish. Their bond was instant and undeniable. In each other, they found healing—and home.

A Happy Ending Worth Sharing

Today, Squish is healthy, joyful, and deeply loved. He continues to be a shining example of resilience and the power of second chances.

His story is more than just a tale of survival; it’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope can be found. Thanks to compassion, timing, and a little bit of fate, one very special dog got the life he always deserved.