Clayton County, Georgia — Maintenance workers are often called upon to fix leaky faucets, broken lights, and other everyday issues in apartment buildings. But one worker in Georgia encountered something far more serious than a faulty appliance — a life-or-death situation involving a dog.

While responding to a routine call, the worker discovered a gray pit bull living in appalling conditions. The animal was severely emaciated, little more than skin and bones. Shocked, the worker immediately contacted police, only to be told he could not intervene, as removing the dog would be considered theft.

Unwilling to give up, he turned to animal control, who left warnings for the owner. Still, the neglect continued. Then one morning, the worker spotted the pit bull locked in a small cage on the street. The owner had abandoned the dog.

That moment gave the worker the chance he had been waiting for. He rushed to rescue the pit bull and drove him an hour and a half to the nearest animal hospital.

“When he came up here he was crying, he was in tears, he was in disbelief,” said Cinnamon Koch, who works at the hospital, in an interview with NBC 11 Alive. “This is the worst case I’ve ever seen. He’s so sweet and loving. All he wants to do is kiss you.”

Veterinarians reported that in addition to being skeletal, the dog also suffered from burns on his paws. At the time of admission, he weighed only 24 pounds (10 kg), roughly half of what a healthy pit bull should weigh.

Still, doctors were optimistic about his chances of survival, thanks to the man who brought him to safety. Because the dog’s name was unknown, staff named him “Mikey” — after the maintenance worker who became his guardian angel.

Mikey’s story quickly touched the local community. Four young girls even donated their weekly allowance to help fund his recovery and began visiting him at the hospital whenever possible.

The case serves as a reminder of both the cruelty animals can face and the compassion that can save them. Thanks to the courage of one maintenance worker and the kindness of strangers, Mikey was given a second chance at life.