Gatsby, a 5-year-old standard poodle rescued from severe neglect in Rowan County, N.C., in August, was adopted in October by Robyne Arrington.

The dog — one animal in the rescue’s care — arrived emaciated and near death and has since recovered enough to leave the shelter and join a single adopter in a new home. Faith, Hope, and Love Animal Rescue led the pull of the animal from his prior Matthews residence and cared for his rehabilitation. ‘I need help’: Rescue saves over 30 animals from severe neglect … Animal rescues often face significant challenges in caring for such severely neglected animals, including overcrowding and high veterinary costs, which can strain already full facilities.

Michelle Tuttle, President of Faith, Hope, and Love Animal Rescue, described the moment volunteers reached Gatsby after they removed him from a vehicle. “We pulled him out of the car, and he just laid flat on the ground,” she said, recalling how fragile he appeared on arrival. This initial assessment underscored the shocking state many rescue animals are found in, often requiring extensive medical treatment, so the rescue was prepared for a long rehabilitation process.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control provided background on Gatsby’s previous living conditions as the rescue arranged veterinary care and rehabilitative support. Rescue staff later reported that Gatsby, while still skinny and slow to move, showed a consistently affectionate temperament — “loving and smiling,” according to the rescue’s description. Such behavioral resilience is common in many animals, highlighting the potential for recovery.

Volunteers and staff moved the dog through an extended vetting and recovery process before he met potential adopters. At an adoption meeting in October, Gatsby met Robyne Arrington, who said the encounter touched her deeply. “When I saw Gatsby, I just, I did cry. It was just heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching,” Arrington said. Individuals can support local animal rescues like Faith, Hope, and Love by volunteering, donating, and fostering, which can help significantly reduce the strain on resources and improve outcomes for other animals in need.

Arrington described an immediate connection. “I looked at Gatsby and I thought, you know, I know how this dog feels,” she said, later adding, “Oh, my God, you’re kidding. I didn’t know I’d get to take him today.” She told rescuers that Gatsby has settled in quickly and that he “makes my heart happy. He really does. I’m telling you, he’s just the best dog I’ve ever had.” Her sentiment reflects the transformative bond that often forms between adopters and rescued animals, marking a new start for both.

Rescue leaders said Gatsby’s condition at intake required intensive attention. Tuttle called the animal’s initial appearance “heartbreaking” and said volunteers had expected to take in another heavily matted dog, but instead found one in life-threatening condition: “It’s just heartbreaking. We thought we were getting just a matted ratty-doodle that we get all the time.” The rescue arranged for ongoing veterinary checks and supportive care as Gatsby regained strength.

Faith, Hope, and Love Animal Rescue documented parts of Gatsby’s recovery and the adoption process; local video coverage of the story is available on WBTV’s YouTube channel, which includes footage of Gatsby in his new home and reflections from the rescue and adopter.

Gatsby’s move to Arrington’s home closed the case for a single dog that had required urgent intervention in August and months of rehabilitation afterward. The rescue group and animal control remained engaged during his recovery and adoption to ensure proper vetting and transition. As Arrington mentioned, adopting a rescue like Gatsby has a profound impact not just on the dog’s life, but also on the adopter’s life.

Arrington said the adoption has been transformative for both her and the dog. “He makes my heart happy. He really does. I’m telling you, he’s just the best dog I’ve ever had,” she said, summing up the bond that prompted her to give Gatsby a permanent home after his near-fatal ordeal.

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Original reporting: view the original article.