Some people are inexplicably cruel to animals, and even an animal as adorable as a dog doesn’t get a nice treatment with them. What would you do if you happen to live next to such people? For many years, one couple asked themselves that question over and over again as they had to watch their next door neighbors mistreat their Golden retriever.
They kept the poor dog outside and had it chained up most of the time. Of course, such a harsh treatment meant the dog would cry most of the time. For that, they had an even more cruel solution. They would muzzle his mouth with a duct tape which was not only quite painful but also made it very hard for the dog to breath.

Sadly the neighbors who were animal lovers couldn’t do anything to help. They had a golden retriever of their own and treated it like a part of their family. But they had to watch as their next-door neighbor abandoned and abused their own dog. Of course, they tried reaching out and even called the police at some point. But that didn’t change anything. The poor dog remained stuck in the neighbor’s concrete backyard. One can imagine how terrified and alone he must have felt. With no help coming, the poor pup seemed to have given up hope of rescue and would spend most of his days simply lethargic and depressed.

Describing the poor dog when he was discovered animal rescue organization Animal Advocates Society wrote. “This dog was so badly damaged that it was clear that he had been beaten. He trusted no one. He barked hysterically and rushed and snapped. He would have been killed within days.”

After years of watching the helpless dog, the neighbors finally decided they’ve had enough. They took matters into their own hands and sneaked over the fence which was conveniently located between the two yards. They then unchained the dog and took him home with them. The poor dog was about to get a new family and even got a name as well. They named the rescued dog Alfie.

Considering how much Alfie has gone through for most of his life, he was understandably always agitated and sensitive.

“Alfie was particularly sensitive and damaged after so much abuse, so he was far from an easy dog for a long time. But he got the kind of miracle that saved his life a second time,” Animal Advocates Society wrote.

However, the new owners knew what he had gone through and patiently worked with him to ensure that he trusted them that he was in a safe place now. With time he realized that and Alfie became a happy and carefree pup he has always been meant to be.

Things were now a lot different and Alfie’s new owners ensured that he got all the fun and adventures he had missed throughout his early life. They would go on fun adventures and take vacations together. Alfie’s new backyard was also a lot different from the old one; he was not chained up anymore. Instead they would have lots of celebrations in the backyard together as a family. He also got a toy as well.

In contrast with the first years of his life which were filled with profound sadness and suffering, Alfie could now live a full and happy life thanks to the kind neighbors who decided to step in and save the dog. Who knows what would have happened him in the hands of his abusers.