When the animal control officers at Monmouth County SPCA received a call about a chained dog in Asbury Park, New Jersey, they wasted no time. With freezing temperatures setting in, they knew the pup’s life was in danger.
Upon arriving, their hearts sank. A frail senior dog lay motionless on the frozen ground, tied to a fence. His sad brown eyes, filled with longing, silently pleaded for help.
Safe in Loving Hands
The officers gently lifted the shivering dog, wrapped him in warm blankets, and rushed him to the shelter.
As he rested in their care, a sense of relief washed over him. Finally, he was safe.
Shortly after Kristoff arrived at the shelter, Dr. Nicholette Runko came to examine him.
The pup was too weak to stand. A technician carefully lifted him from his cage, allowing Dr. Runko to assess his condition.
He was given a soothing bath, his wounds were treated, and for the first time in a long while, he felt comfort.
Kristoff responded with pure affection, gently pressing his head against his caregivers as if to say thank you.
“We gave him a bath, but he was really sweet, and he was just nuzzling his head into ours for pets the entire time we were looking at him,” Runko told GeoBeats Animals.
Fighting for His Health
The medical team estimated Kristoff to be between eight and ten years old.
Dr. Runko was certain—had Kristoff stayed out in the cold any longer, he wouldn’t have survived. He was on the brink of developing pneumonia.
Though they weren’t sure if Kristoff had spent his entire life outside, the stiffness in his joints suggested that he had endured harsh conditions for a long time.
He was unable to walk, so the team started him on antibiotics and pain relief. With round-the-clock care and a steady supply of nutritious food, Kristoff slowly regained his strength.
Then, the best news came—he began to walk again.
A Second Chance at Love
As Kristoff settled into his new environment, his rescuers noticed something else. His hearing and vision were impaired. But that didn’t stop him from enjoying life.
He loved feeling the fresh air on his face, and more than anything, he cherished every moment with the kind humans who saved him.
Kristoff’s loving nature stole the hearts of the shelter staff. They couldn’t understand how anyone could abandon such a sweet soul.
“We’re really happy that we were able to rescue him. Everyone here adores him, and even if the rest of his life is short, we want it to be the best short life he can imagine,” Runko shared.
Waiting for His Forever Home
Once Kristoff completes all his medical evaluations and his previous owner officially surrenders him, he will begin his search for a forever home.
I can’t wait to see him enjoying the retirement he truly deserves—surrounded by warmth, love, and kindness.