Shelters do incredible work giving animals a second chance, but some cases are harder than others. It’s always difficult and heartbreaking to see a dog who has received so much neglect and abuse.

Recently, one North Carolina shelter said they were “shocked and gutted” after taking in an abused dog, and worked to give her the best life.

On November 6, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue announced they had taken in a dog named Peaches. While no shelter is a stranger to animals in poor shape, Peaches’ condition left them shocked.

“Shocked and Gutted,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “This one is hard.”

According to FOX Carolina, Peaches is 4 months old and was rescued from a neglectful and abusive situation. From the photo you can see the toll that neglect has taken on the poor pup: she has infected skin and is missing her fur, looks miserable and is suffering from a number of health issues.

“She has been neglected her entire life,” the shelter wrote. “4 months of no love. No clean or soft blankets, no vet care, no regular food. Poor husbandry is to blame.”

While the situation left them shocked and saddened, Brother Wolf was committed to giving her a second chance at life.

“Peaches, you are safe,” they wrote. “We will do everything we can to save you.”

The shelter asked people to send “healing words of encouragement.” “We will read them all to her, while we cry with her,” they wrote. People wrote inspiring, heartfelt words of support.

“Praying for you, sweet Peaches. You are safe now and will be loved forever,” one commenter wrote.

“Peaches, stay strong!” another wrote. “Your best life has just started. Prayers to your caregivers and medical team for their healing hands and loving hearts!”

“You’re alive and that speaks volumes for your spirit,” another wrote in a message to the sweet dog. “I’m sorry this was the start of your life, but I’m thankful you didn’t have to endure this your whole life. A family is out there. You will be loved.”

Perhaps those encouraging words worked miracles, because Peaches has been pulling through. According to FOX Carolina, Peaches is stable after receiving emergency medical care, and is now recovering in a foster home.

In a follow-up post, Brother Wolf said she has a long road ahead, and is suffering from a number of medical conditions including mild hypothermia, a mild cough, Demodex mange and Coccidia, a staph infection, mild anemia, and an elevated white blood cell count.

Unfortunately, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue shared a heartbreaking update at the end of 2023, announcing that Peaches had passed away.

”Devastated doesn’t even begin to describe our grief. We are sorry to share that Peaches passed away in her sleep last night. Her veterinary team did everything they could, but her body just couldn’t hold on.

We know your grief will be as heavy as ours, we all wanted her to live and have the life she deserved.

We eased her pain, showed her love, and in return, she showed us love back. She showed us tiny glimmers of what could have been, playing with a toy, giving kisses, and showing us her goofy personality.

Rest well, Peaches, we will never forget you.”

It’s heartbreaking that any dog would have to suffer like this, but we’re so glad Peaches was getting the love and care she needed.

Please share this story and keep this sweet dog in your thoughts ❤️