A young girl that saved a dog from certain death is now helping it recover, thanks to the Pima Animal Care Center's foster program.
Anyssa Barker, 15, found the dog hanging from a tree on Jan. 15 and quickly climbed the tree to release it. She heard the black, mix-breed dog "whimpering" while walking in her neighborhood.
She named it Hercules due to the ordeal the dog went through, according to the Pima Animal Care Center.
“He knew what was going on and that I was there to help him," Barker told PACC. "As soon as I took that thing out from around his neck, he sat in my lap.”
Currently, there have been no further developments in the ongoing animal cruelty investigation of the incident.
Hercules was medically treated at the center and received many attempts for adoption, including Barker, PACC said.
Barker was afraid Hercules would be adopted before she received approval from her grandmother to request him.
Officers from PACC surprised Barker with Hercules on Wednesday afternoon. Dog food, treats, a kennel, toys and additional supplies were provided to the new foster family.
"It was very apparent to us that a special bond developed between Hercules and this amazing young lady after this terrible incident,” said Adam Ricci, PACC chief animal protection officer.
