Abandoned Dog Rescued from Dumpster Finds a Loving and Caring Forever Home

Chi Chi, a golden retriever with a tragic past, managed to overcome her severe injuries to become a therapy dog and win American Humane’s 2018 American Hero Dog award.

In 2016, Chi Chi was found in a dumpster in South Korea, left for dead inside a garbage bag. Her legs were bound together with wire, causing severe damage to her skin. Animal Rescue, Media & Education (ARME) discovered her during an investigation of a potential meat farm, thanks to a tip from Nabiya Irion Hope Project, a South Korean animal welfare group.

Chi Chi was taken to a hospital, where all four of her limbs had to be amputated just above the paw. Following her surgery, she began rehabilitation and received custom-designed prosthetic limbs to help her walk again.

A video of Chi Chi’s rescue caught the attention of Elizabeth Howell in Arizona, who knew right away that she wanted to welcome the brave dog into her home. “She stole my heart,” Howell told TODAY.

Chi Chi arrived in Arizona a few weeks later, where she faced the challenge of being fitted for prostheses due to her legs being amputated at different heights. After some trial and error, she was finally able to move around more easily than anyone had anticipated.

“People are inspired by Chi Chi’s courage, perseverance, ability to overcome adversity, and her never-give-up attitude,” Howell said in a statement released by American Humane. As a therapy dog, Chi Chi visited assisted-living facilities, veterans, youth, and fellow amputees, spreading love and compassion wherever she went.

“Chi Chi is truly a gift from God,” Howell said after Chi Chi received the Hero Dog honor. “And we are grateful for every day she is here to abundantly share her love and inspire us to never give up.”

Chi Chi’s incredible journey came to an end in February 2019 when she passed away after being diagnosed with an aggressive tumor in her nasal cavity the previous year. However, her legacy of resilience, forgiveness, and love will continue to inspire people for years to come.

Learn more about Chi Chi’s amazing rescue and life in the video below, and share her inspiring story with your friends and family.