Everyone was in good spirits as one Redditor enjoyed Christmas celebrations alongside family and friends, but when someone looked out into the backyard, they noticed something heartbreaking. The dog that found his way onto the property was beaten, battered and in serious need of help. The heartbroken friends reached out to Guardians of The Green Mileto help the little guy out, and with a little encouragement, the pup gained a brand new lease on life.
This is what they saw when they opened the door that night. (The following image is a bit graphic)
According to rescuers, it appeared that the dog's hips had been stomped on. His jaw was also taped shut, which led to tissue deterioration in and around his mouth. Despite the fact that he'd clearly endured endless suffering and abuse, he wanted nothing more than to dole out some love (and receive some in return). The kind of people who found him knew exactly who to call when they discovered the seriousness of his situation. Not everyone would extend such compassion, which is why rescuers decided to name him Chance.
Sherri Christopher- a dedicated member of the Guardians of the Green Mile team- was the one who received the call about Chance. The vet said that he was in dire straits, but Christopher knew that she needed to help him.
We're pleased to report that this brave little guy is on the mend! Chance has all the makings of a loving, caring companion. We hope that he and his wagging tail find a forever home as soon as possible. To learn more about Guardians of the Green Mile's mission, be sure to check out their website. You can also follow them on Facebook for regular updates, and donate here if you want to help more dogs like Chance live the wonderful lives they deserve.
"When she wrapped me up with that hug, I just melted, and the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders."
About 10 years ago, in the days following Hurricane Katrina, this photo was taken.
It changed Michael Maroney's life.
Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Maroney, seen on the left above, saved over 140 people in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. But one rescue in particular stood out.
He helped save then 3-year-old Leshay Brown, and the joyous moment was caught on camera by the Airman 1st Class Veronica Pierce. The picture, taken amid overwhelming heartache, reflects a pivotal moment for Maroney.
"When she wrapped me up in that hug, I just melted, and the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders," Maroney told ABC News. "Everything in the world just stopped, and I wasn't in New Orleans or in the devastation, I was just being hugged by a beautiful little girl."
But Maroney- who said he was especially "drawn to her" because he had two boys about her age- hadn't caught Brown's name at the time.
He spent the past decade wondering who and where she was.
In March 2015, Maroney launched a social media campaign to find the girl who changed his life.
He created the hashtag #FindKatrinaGirl in hopes that it'd eventually lead him to Brown.
And, thankfully, it did.
One of Brown's friends contacted Maroney's son on Instagram, according to ABC News, and the connection led to their meeting during an episode of BET's "The Real" talk show, which aired Sept. 16, 2015.
It was a reunion they'll both remember forever.
Maroney finally met Brown, who now lives in Mississippi and is "a straight-A student with dreams of becoming a lawyer," according to Loni Love of "The Real."
The tear-filled experience was an emotional one- especially for Maroney.
"If I can explain to you how important your hug was...that small gesture- it helped me through bad days and dark days."
Watch the moving clip of their reunion below:
Remember this viral Hurricane Katrina photo? Finally, these two reunited.
About 10 years ago, in the days following Hurricane Katrina, this photo was taken.
It changed Michael Maroney's life.
Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Maroney, seen on the left above, saved over 140 people in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. But one rescue in particular stood out.
This magical button delivers Upworthy stories to you on Facebook:
He helped save then-3-year-old LeShay Brown, and the joyous moment was caught on camera by the Airman 1st Class Veronica Pierce. The picture, taken amid overwhelming heartache, reflects a pivotal moment for Maroney.
"When she wrapped me up with that hug, I just melted, and the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders," Maroney told
ABC News. "Everything in the world just stopped, and I wasn't in New Orleans or in the devastation, I was just being hugged by a beautiful little girl."
But Maroney — who said he was especially "drawn to her" because he had two boys about her age — hadn't caught Brown's name at the time.
He spent the past decade wondering who and where she was.
In March 2015, Maroney launched a social media campaign to find the girl who changed his life.
He created the hashtag
#FindKatrinaGirl in hopes that it'd eventually lead him to Brown.
And, thankfully, it did.
One of Brown's friends contacted Maroney's son on Instagram, according to ABC News, and the connection led to their meeting during an episode of BET's "The Real"talk show, which aired Sept. 16, 2015.
It was a reunion they'll both remember forever.
Maroney finally met Brown, who now lives in Mississippi and is "a straight-A student with dreams of becoming a lawyer," according to Loni Love of "The Real."
The tear-filled experience was an emotional one — especially for Maroney. "If I can explain to you how important your hug was ... that small gesture — it helped me through bad days and dark days."
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