Rescuers Brave Gunfire to Save Starving Dog
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About a month ago, I was checking Facebook when I ran across a picture of a dog in need. As always, someone had simply shared a dog’s photo on my wall. Each day, I see hundreds if not thousands of images of desperate animals. Each of those photos is urgent. Each of those photos hurts my heart. Each of those photos affects my soul. Even still, as I scrolled past this particular photo, I stopped and my heart stopped, too.
The photo itself was disturbing, infuriating and heartbreaking. The photo was accompanied with a wall comment which said: “Ashley: I think I read that you know of an animal rescue group who is willing to help terminally-ill dogs before they go to Heaven. This is Max. His medical condition has taken a turn for the worse, and he doesn’t have much time left on Earth.”
Before I’d even clicked on the photo, to get more information on this dog, I responded to her comment and said, “I have good news. I am that rescue.” As I clicked on the picture, I realized that Max was posted by a dear friend of mine, Rebecca Helwig, of Dogs Deserve Better in Nashville. Then I read Rebecca’s account of his rescue. It said:
Meet Max. He has been chained for at least 1 year. When someone in his neighborhood reached out to us for help, a volunteer and I went to the home to check on Max. The neighbors were extremely worried about the dog… for good reason. From the photos, you can obviously see the insane abuse and neglect that this dog has been forced to endure.
When we arrived, the neighbor and my volunteer walked into the backyard, to check on Max. Meanwhile, I remained in my car taking photos of Max from the street, with a zoom-lens camera (Due to trespassing laws, when obtaining photographic evidence of animal cruelty, one must remain outside of property lines in order for photos to be admissible in court.)
Shortly thereafter, a vehicle screeched into the driveway. The homeowners jumped out of the car, and ran toward the backyard, yelling: “What the f*** are you doing?” The volunteer said: “We’re just checking on your dog, man.”
That’s when the homeowner pulled out a gun, pointed it at them and yelled: ” Don’t move!”
Well, as soon as they saw the gun, the neighbor and the volunteer started running. Then the homeowner starting shooting. That’s when I heard the gun shots. I looked up, as the neighbor and volunteer were running toward me. Then, I saw the gunman running toward us as well, still shooting.
When the others ran inside the neighbor’s house to safety, I started the car and got the heck out of there, too. Even still, I wasn’t giving up on Max. I couldn’t just leave him there on that chain with those awful, violent people, who were willing to let him starve to death. So, long story short, I made some calls, pulled some strings, and got Max to safety.
However, even after he’d been saved, we’d soon find out that Max was deathly ill, due to the years of neglect he’d suffered. According to the vet, Max was knocking on death’s door as he was less than 2 weeks away from literally starving to death.
In addition, he was suffering from massive internal and external parasite infestation, and multiple other ailments. But, the most critical, life-threatening condition Max faced: severely-advanced heartworm disease.
As I finished one of the most heartbreaking posts I’ve ever read, I was in tears. Immediately, I sent Rebecca a text to let her know I would help. She eventually put me in touch with a woman named Carola who had been temporarily fostering Max while a home was sought.
Carola shared an incredibly touching story with me about how Max changed her perception of Pit Bulls and her life:
Max – new and improved.
“Ashley, please understand,” Carola told me. “I come from Germany. Growing up, in my country, all Pit Bulls were banned. So, I was raised believing that all Pit Bulls were ‘bad.’ When I came to America and began to foster rescue dogs here I had one rule: ‘No Pit Bulls.’ Even still, Max had nowhere else to go. Because he’d been so badly abused, I decided to take him. But he was a Pit Bull, so, my defenses were way-up.”
“At first I was afraid of him,” she continued, “not because he ever threatened to hurt me but simply because of what I’d been told about his ‘breed.’ But then Max was so loving — and I wanted to love him, too, but honestly, I was afraid to love him.
One day, I heard Max choking on a toy. Out of instinct I reached my hand into his mouth, and pulled the toy out of his throat. And, Ashley, do you know what this Pit Bull did after I had my hand in his mouth, reaching down his throat? He licked my hand, as if to say: ‘Thank you for saving me.’
It changed my life. I was so ignorant. So misinformed. So judgmental toward these dogs. Yet Max, even after all he’s been through, is honestly the sweetest dog I’ve ever known.”
Max and Ashley
In that moment, I didn’t have words. I felt so comforted. So validated. So elated. Everything I’ve ever said about these dogs, everything I’ve ever asked someone to believe, everything I’ve ever preached about this breed was being communicated through the words of another human being who experienced it for herself.
And because of that experience with Max, Carola became a believer. Then, Carola said: “I feel so good about this. I want you to take Max.” I responded: “I know how much you love him, so how about this? Max will live with me but we’ll share him.” In tears, Carola agreed.
When he was healthy again, Max’s transport was arranged. And yesterday, Max arrived. Now he’s here with me forever. At first, upon arrival, he was a little unsure, a little confused. But then at some point Max let go of his anxiety. In a moment I’ll never forget, Max walked over, kissed me on the cheek, snuggled close to my side and fell asleep. Just like that, Max and Ash were family.
Just like that, Max was home.
Yes.
Woof woof!
4 
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what about the dude ?
Heroes!!!!
Woof woof!
5 
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without a doubt!!
Yes I WOULD!!!
Without a doubt!!
Thank God for those who rescued him! I jumped out of my car once and ran into the street to save a dog but never dodged bullets, although to save an animal I would take one anyday of the week ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ <3
Woof woof!
6 
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Wouldn’t even stop to think.
Woof woof!
5 
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Yes!! That’s all I have to say…
Awesome
in a heartbeat!
There are some real ‘old school bastards’ in this world who are too frequently on the ‘wrong end of the leash’.
Woof woof!
9 
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Yes.
<3 always!
SURE I WOULD !!!!!!!!
yes
Thank god for those people.
Woof woof!
5 
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yes and double yes, I’d like to see someone come after me, a 5′ 2″ 110 pd 60 year old woman, I ain’t scared of nothing and no one.
Woof woof!
7 
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Sure would, and I hope this sweet boy gets all the steak bones he can handle!!!
Woof woof!
4 
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What a beautiful ending to that story. Wishing Max and Ashley a lifetime of happiness <3
Wonderful story! bless you sweet Max.
God bless those brave rescuers!
God Bless the brave rescuers
I absolutely love this story… and yes, I would..
Yes I would ..no hesitation..real talk!
Brought tears to my eyes reading the story! Happy tears that Max is SAFE and ALIVE and in LOVING HANDS!
Omg really why is there such evil people?!!! “ima kill you for saving my dog!” ass hole hope GOD decides to exact revenge
Woof woof!
4 
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If you will abuse or neglect an animal, then you will do worse with a human being. God bless those who care and rescued this poor dog. May the Lord’s wrath fall on the person (S) who did this!!! and it will@
Woof woof!
4 
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Did it – pulled a rabid dog off another dog with my bare hands.
Rick, did the other dog get bit? Did you? What happened to the rabid dog? Was the animal control there or did you have to take measures yourself? Just curious. Teresa Norman
Yes I would – I’d hope I’d have my own weapon to shoot back at the bastard.
Such a sad but heartwarming story. Bless you all.
SO GREAT
yes, it’s all just dogs…
Heros.
Bravo to those brave people, and thank you to Ashley for giving Max a loving forever home!
Max and Ashley make a handsome couple ..He is a guy that will love you no matter what..
oh hell yea, have done it in the past, a few times, you dont mess with my babies, thats why im so socked to hear the president eats dogs, and he rides in a different plane, all other presidents come off the plane with there dogs by there side, really surprized peta dosent make a fuss, or the aspca? were is it ok to eat dog?
I think they eat dogs,& cats in thailand. & south korea,doesn’t mean its okay or even natural to do, it is gross.I read this some where on line. not sure if its true,I would think it maybe.
I never heard the president eating dogs,I did hear a family member of his ate a dog killing the presidents dog though..
Id bust his door and be all Commando army school on his abusing ass
Sure would!
Where does this piece of shit live?
Thank you to all who helped poor Max.
Thank you for this story!
Wonderful story–so glad Max was rescued and is in a loving home now!
Yes, no question
Yes I would have done the same.
Kathleen, in many countries it is an acceptable thing to do.
It not acceptable it’s just done for some dumb reason.. no pets should be eaten except the ones we have to eat to survive. like chickens,pigs,cows… still wrong but we all have to survive some way..
So glad he’s safe…now I just wish they would chain the person that had him up in the hot hot sun and let him sit there and feel the same suffering that he put this beautiful dog through!!!!!!
There is a man just outside of my circle who got hit by a train while trying to save his dog. He survived, the Swango did not
Michelle what is a swango, was it the man or doggie.
I can’t watch it but thank u!
Heck yes I would. I jumped into a river, and went against rapids in water to rescue a dachshound. I sank upto my waist in a mudbog in a swamp and lost a shoe to put a turtle back in its home that was almost squished on the road. Animals need us to rescue them no matter what we have to go though to do it
People that do this to an animal should receive the death penalty
Bless these brave people.
Well done those people.
Thank God for all of you wonderful, brave, animal loving people!!! I would also do what ever I had to do to save an animal…
Beautiful story – brings a tear to the eye. Dogs are one of the most loyal beautiful creatures on earth. Bless you for saving him, you rock!
Woof woof!
4 
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wow!!! what is it that people want to keep an animal and NOT feed it or care for it… is it a power thing over a helpless animal on a chain or in a cage…
yes karan I think it maybe a power thing,its also stupidity.
Thanks so much for your bravery and compassion
Bless you precious souls we need more people like us in the world!!!!!
That was an awesome rescue!!!
Sure would…without a second thought.
I even save snails : )) <3
great story !!
What happened to the literal monsters that were intentionally starving Max to death? We have some of that breed of idiot where I live.
We have alot where I live too.
yes, and I have, and I will again.
Woof woof!
4 
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I hope I would but none of us really know what we would do in a situation until we are actually in the middle of it.
yes I WOULD!
we need more people like the recuers in this world .well done guys for saving the dogs and yes i would of done the same.
Woof woof!
4 
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What a touching story! I’m glad it ended up in being a very happy ending.
Woof woof!
4 
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It saddens my heart to see such abuse and yes, we absolutely must work together to stop it! However, I do want to WARN people that every state has different laws regarding going onto someone else’s property, even if it’s to rescue an animal. A woman and mother of two children in California was recently arrested and sentenced to jail time for going onto someone else’s property to rescue a starving dog and take it home with her. The charge was theft. So if you see an animal that needs rescue, please call your local Humane Society, animal rescue or even the police department and get appropriate assistance. By rescuing in this manner, the animal has a better chance of being taken away from it’s abuser permanently and given the opportunity to get his/her forever home.
Woof woof!
5 
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HELL YEAH AND I’D RETURN FIRE AS WELL. ALWAYS packing heat per the 2nd Amendment. I’m just wondering why those two rescuers didn’t try and put that ASSHOLE at room temperature meaning on his Back. Just curious that’s all coz I would have ans that’s for sure.
Godless them
I meant godless them!
what do you mean by godless them.?
do you mean goodness them why would they do that.
Please tell me that the son of a bitch who owned Max, was put in jail!!! if not what is his address please…….. I promise i won’t do anything that i shouldn’t do……….. yeah right, all i need is 10min with this guy and a baseball bat, he won’t even know what hit him!!!! Thank god You guys were able to go in and save this beautiful dog…….. <3 I am not a violent person but shit like this really boils my blood and makes me angry to think that another HUMAN BEING COULD BE SO F’N CRUEL……………………..
Woof woof!
6 
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I can’t believe people do that to animals. They are cowards.
In a second! People..not so much. But I have and will for dogs.
if it was a child in need they need saving too. I am happy the puppy has a home with lots of food,water,& toys.
YES I WOULD BUT I WOULD SHOOT BACK DOUBLE TAP ; P
Woof woof!
4 
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good for you GF
Love dogs and know GOD would watch over.New Home where loved and respected.GOD is love.True love.One Only . To feel
@Angela- Not only tie him up in the desert hot sun but pour honey all over him so that the fire ants and scorpions will at least try and devore him, if the sun doesn’t bake him.
Absolutely. It becomes all about that poor abused animal!
Yes i would in a heartbeat! im a hardcore animal lover! if hoarding was legal i would do it.lol.jk. i love animals and they deserve to be treated with respect and love! i would def risk my safety for an animal. expecially a dog! thats mans best friend!
All pets need to be rescued dog ,or cat ,or any pets for that matter.
what a lovely story! I’m so happy for Max!
<3
God bless these rescuers!
God Bless them
Yay for Max! your very lucky lil guy!
Ive parked my car sideways across both lanes of traffic to save at least three different dogs
Woof woof!
4 
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did that work duncan blocking the dogs,sometimes they may run the other way if they are scared.
I would do whatever it takes to save an animal in need. People suck.
Seeing abuse like this is beyond heartbreaking. I know the people who did this to Max have a verryyy special place in hell where I hope they will be starved for all of eternity..
So happy!!!
unfortunately there are lot of sickos out in the world…
Yes I surely would and I do almost everyday!
Yes I would
Carry a gun! Brave and very lucky, but animal abusers are sub-human. Don’t rescue unarmed!
Bless you.
Such a horrible story! I truly hope that the animal that abused Max so shamefully has been locked away and is being deprived of food and medical care. This is a perfect ending to a horrible story…Anyone that abuses animals should be shot. Thanks to all those out there that care and rescue! My hat is off to you! Please people don’t be a silent voice, if you see abuse please call and report it………
SOME PEOPLE JUST DONT DESERVE TO LIVE IN THE FREE WORLD…I WOULD RESCUE A HELPLESS ANIMAL WITH OUT THINKING ABOUT MY OWN SAFTY
amazing story … and yes i would risk my life too … well done to the rescuers
Yes…in a heartbeat.
God bless the rescuers. <3Ü<3