One-Year-OId Rescue Dog ‘Looks Like an Old Man’ Due to Alarming Neglect

A 1-year-old shelter dog who has known little else but neglect in his short life is finally getting the love and care he so desperately needs.

The ASPCA estimates that as many as 3.1 million dogs enter animal shelters in the U.S. every year. Few, if any, are likely to have been in the condition Grommett the French bulldog mix was when he arrived at the Humane Society of Broward County, a Florida-based rescue that provides lifesaving care and shelter to over 4,000 homeless pets every year.

“Grommett was confiscated by an Animal Control officer here in Broward County and brought to the local Animal Control facility,” Susan Leonti from the Humane Society of Broward County told Newsweek.

“Due to Grommett’s extensive medical issues, stemming from his long-term abuse, he was transferred to the Humane Society of Broward County where he could receive proper treatment in our clinic.”

In a video posted to TikTok by the shelter, the extent of Grommett’s injuries are laid bare. “Grommett is only 1-years-old, but he looks like an old man,” the caption reads.

The details of what happened to Grommett prior to his arrival at the shelter are not clear, but what’s obvious is that he was badly mistreated.

“We do not know the details of Grommett’s life before arriving at our shelter, but his injuries show evidence of a dog that was caged for most, if not all, of his life,” Leonti said.

“Grommett arrived severely emaciated with signs of neglect throughout his body, including overgrown nails and scalding on his legs and feet from standing in his own urine.”

Grommet’s overgrown nails made walking difficult, while he was found in a state of such severe distress that he had even chewed through his own paw pad.

Thankfully, those dark days are over for this young pup who has already benefitted from a raft of treatments paid for and provided by the Humane Society of Broward County. More than that, Grommett is finally getting that one thing each and every domesticated dog deserves: love.

Though he’s not currently available for adoption due to his medical condition, Leonti already has a good idea of the kind of home and owner he would be best suited to.

“Right now, Grommett is in a medical foster home, so is not currently available for adoption,” she said. “His ideal forever home would be one full of love and comfort, something this sweet dog has never known.”

For the time being, Leonti hopes an important message gets through from Grommett’s story.

“Our hope is that viewers will see the importance in supporting their local animal shelter and in adopting their next pet,” she said. “Grommett is an example of how even the most forgotten and abused animals can get a second chance at life.”