Dog’s ‘body was maimed’ when arriving at shelter — ‘his spirit was not.’ Meet Jackson

A very determined dog in Pennsylvania is ready for his next step in life — finding a loving home — after years of suffering, the shelter responsible for saving him said.

Jackson was brought in with graphic wounds from the city shelter where he had been surrendered by his owner. The pup, who looks like a German shepherd mix, was covered in open sores that were so bad, “his skin appeared to be falling off his body,” the Pennsylvania SPCA said in a Aug. 16 Facebook post.

Warning : Link to social media post includes graphic photo.

“ Apart from the wounds, Jackson was also dehydrated and extremely thin, scoring a 2/9 on the Purina Body Condition scale - just one point away from the lowest possible score,” the post went on to say.

“Initially, we were not sure what had happened to him, but we did know that he had been suffering for some time. But after weeks of tests and corrective surgeries, we finally got an answer.”

Jackson was suffering from an autoimmune disease, which is what caused his sores, which would get worse if not properly cared for, the post said.

“With the intensity and sheer number of wounds Jackson had when he arrived at our shelter, it was evident that he had not been cared for in a very long time.”

‘Finally safe’

Now, Jackson seems like an entirely different dog — but still the love bug he apparently always has been.

“Jackson’s body was maimed the day that he walked through our doors, but his spirit was not,” another Aug. 16 post said, this time showing Jackson lovingly gazing up at his handler. “Perhaps, he knew he was finally safe with us.”

He has gained weight and his wounds have healed over and look healthier.

“Jackson has shown us what it means to fight for a second chance and we will continue to fight for him as his case is investigated by our Animal Law Enforcement team,” the post said.

“While our fight continues, it is time that Jackson’s comes to an end - as he finally starts the search for a forever home.”

For more information on Jackson and other adoptable pets, visit the Pennsylvania SPCA website.

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