Officer Angela Laurella responded to a distress call about two dogs abandoned on a dead-end street in Pompano, Florida.

The dogs had been left chained to posts, with no sign of how long they had been there or who had abandoned them, as there were no cameras in the area.

With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees, Officer Laurella knew immediate action was critical.

When she arrived, she found a frail gray dog, later named Liam, tightly bound to a post with a short leash. He was so weak that he could barely move.

“He was emaciated, dry, and every bone and rib was visible,” shared Amy Roman, president of Over 100 Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida, in an interview with The Dodo.

As Officer Laurella approached, Liam extended his paw as if seeking help, a gesture that deeply touched her.

“He leaned down and placed his paw in her hand as if to say, ‘Please help me get out of here,’” Roman explained.

Recognizing Liam’s fragile condition, Officer Laurella reached out to Roman’s rescue organization, which quickly took Liam in. Though the rescue already had its hands full, Roman couldn’t turn him away.

Liam is now on the road to recovery at Roman’s home, receiving much-needed care and attention. At just 17 pounds, the malnourished bulldog is steadily regaining his strength with frequent meals and vet visits.

“He’s eating every hour, which helps his body adjust,” Roman said. Volunteers are also pitching in to prepare him special meals of boiled chicken and rice.

Though Liam has a long way to go, he has shown a remarkable spirit since his rescue. “He loves everyone,” Roman said. “Despite everything he’s been through, he’s still so grateful and forgiving.”

Liam’s story is just one example of the increasing number of abandoned and surrendered pets in Florida.

Roman hopes that people struggling to care for their pets will turn to shelters and rescues for help before deciding to give them up. “Liam’s story reminds us that every dog deserves a second chance,” Roman said. “He’s ready for a new life with a loving family.”

Reflecting on Liam’s resilience, Roman added, “I think dogs like Liam have much to teach us. They can restore your faith in humanity.”

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