An abandoned dog found starving and infested with maggots and ticks has finally received the happy ending he deserves – and the internet is overjoyed.
Mr Big was first discovered earlier this year by Niall Harbison, the owner of an animal rescue service.
He had been tipped off by a passerby who said there was an abandoned pit bull slumped by a roadside toilet.
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When Niall arrived, he found the poor animal lying on the floor, suffering from a horrific infestation of maggots, which had pierced a hole through his ear.
He was also covered in hundreds of ticks and was effectively being “eaten alive”.
Mr Big’s story – which thankfully has a beautiful ending – has gathered over 43m views and 200,000 likes on social media this week.
“We found him dying alone in a toilet, he was done,” Niall, the found of WeAreHappyDoggo, told Need To Know.
“Mr Big had maggots in a wound in his ear and was covered in about 500 blood-sucking ticks.
“He was massively anaemic, had tick fever and didn’t have much time left.
“He was being eaten alive and we thought he’d lose an ear.
“His spirit was broken but the good news is that it soon started coming back.”
Since being rescued in April this year, Mr Big is now unrecognisable.
Niall has shared the dog’s story on social media, where users have been shocked at the transformation.
The adorable pooch had a long recovery but is now in good health and has the loving owners he’s always wanted.
The biggest challenge to rebuild was his strength.
He said: “In the last few weeks, I’ve got him back running.
“The best news is we even managed to save his ear.
“He is a massive goofball, softy and gentle soul, loves all the other dogs and he adores humans.”
The rescue is based in Koh Samui, Thailand.
Due to the dog’s size, it is difficult to fly him elsewhere for rehoming, meaning Niall had to find a new owner locally.
After months of searching, at the end of July, he found a couple worthy of Mr Big’s love.
He said: “It’s not easy to re-home a bigger dog like this with recent health issues.
“Then this week, he hit the jackpot.
“A lovely American man and his Thai wife wanted to see him.”
The couple drove 800km to see Mr Big, before taking him for a swim, ice cream and a walk.
He said: “The good news: it was love at first sight.
“Mr Big is getting his forever home.
“He’d had the best day ever and felt safe.”
Mr Big moved into his new home on 28 July.
Niall said: “He now has the eyes of a dog that is exhausted with happiness and who will never sleep on a street again.
“His new name will be Henry, which I think suits him beautifully.
“Two months ago, he had nothing, he was done.
“Now he has everything in the world.”
Social media users have been left overwhelmed by the story.
Rain said: “I am crying with happiness for Mr Big. So happy for the couple who will offer him love and thankful for you and all who helped him.”
Karen commented: “Awesome! How cool is this? It defiantly put a smile on my heart.”
Gary wrote: “Mr big have a great life. Massive respect for what Niall and his team do for these lovely souls.”
Jo added: “Amazing work!!! Wishing all the very best for this handsome little guy!”
Ramiro said: “So sweet.”
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