
Some animals arrive at shelters in heartbreaking condition, but with a little love their lives can totally turn around.
That was the case for one neglected dog, who was found nearly starving to death, but in the weeks since has been making incredible strides.
In September, the South Suburban Humane Society, in Illinois, took in a severely emaciated dog named Pumpkin. He was first found by a local resident who thought he was dying and brought him to the police.
Emily Klehm, CEO of the South Suburban Humane Society, told Newsweek that while they rescue many dogs, Pumpkin’s was an “extreme case” that left them speechless. “He was severely emaciated and unable to walk,” she said.
Photos show how unbelievably thin the dog was — it’s a miracle he survived at all.
Vets administered fluids and shaved his matted fur. Despite the rough start, he started to perk up and went into foster care with one of the shelter employees.
“Thankfully, we got him into foster care, where he is starting to improve and stand on his own again,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “His journey is still long, but we are incredibly proud of him so far.”
Updates from the shelter show the remarkable improvement Pumpkin has made in just a short time. While he was unable to stand when they first found him, he can now walk around the yard on his own, wagging his tail.
“This little man is so strong and getting better every single day,” the shelter wrote.
Though he’s still visibly thin, he has been slowly regaining weight. “This little man is progressing, and we cannot wait to see how much more he continues to improve!” South Suburban Humane Society wrote.
Pumpkin’s backstory is still unclear, but the shelter says he will be placed up for adoption once he gets medical clearance.
“Pumpkin will need a home that understands that he was severely neglected,” Klehm told Newsweek. “He doesn’t know how to be a dog, so everything from leash walking to toys are all new experiences for him. An experienced dog family would be best.”
In the meantime, he’s doing well and loves his foster home.
It’s heartbreaking that Pumpkin was neglected for so long, but we’re so glad he’s doing well and regaining weight — we hope he finds a forever home soon when he’s ready!
Please share this story if you love dogs!
I Put Baking Soda on My Feet – Look What Happened! 🌟 A Brilliant Home Remedy You’ll Want to Try

Tired feet? Dry skin? Unpleasant odor? There’s one simple ingredient that can transform how your feet feel in just minutes: baking soda. What seems like an everyday kitchen staple is actually a powerhouse for foot care—and this trick is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
🦶 Why Baking Soda Works Wonders
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is known for its cleansing, deodorizing, and exfoliating properties. It helps:
- Soften rough, cracked skin
- Neutralize foot odor
- Reduce swelling and fatigue
- Fight bacteria and fungi naturally
Whether you’ve been on your feet all day or just want to refresh them, this remedy is pure comfort.
🌿 The Brilliant Baking Soda Foot Soak
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- A basin of warm water (enough to cover your feet)
- Optional: a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
- Fill a basin with warm water.
- Add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.
- Soak your feet for 15–20 minutes.
- After soaking, gently scrub heels or rough areas with a pumice stone if needed.
- Rinse and dry your feet well. Follow with a light moisturizer or coconut oil.
✨ What You’ll Notice
- Instantly softer, smoother skin
- Reduced foot odor
- Relaxed, refreshed feet
- Relief from minor swelling or aches
Bonus Tip
Do this 2–3 times a week, especially before bed. You’ll not only have cleaner, healthier feet—but also better sleep and a little moment of self-care to enjoy.
Sometimes, the best remedies are the simplest. And with just a little baking soda, your feet can feel brand new!
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