Last week at this time, a yellow lab was living in a remote area in South Florida. He was scared, hungry, and alone. Today, that same yellow lab is living in a home in Savannah, Georgia. He has a goofy grin on his face and a stuffed chicken squeaky toy between his paws. Life is good.

Last week at this time, the yellow lab had no idea that his life was about to change. He had no idea that Isabel, the kind woman who had been bringing him food and water, was talking about him with Retired Retrievers and making a plan to help him. He also had no idea that Isabel would arrive that evening with her friend, Mirta, from Chain of Love Abandoned Dogs, to pick him up and take him to their friend Ellie’s house for the night.

Last week at this time, the yellow lab didn’t know that Suzanne from Retired Retrievers was talking about him with Susan and Cristy from Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida. He had no idea that Susan from Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida would make an appointment for him at an animal hospital in Fort Lauderdale and donate to help with his medical bills. He also had no idea that Jane and Barb from Chain of Love Abandoned Dogs would be the ones getting him to the animal hospital the next day.

Last week at this time, the yellow lab had no idea that while he was at the animal hospital, a woman named Wendy, who Suzanne met through their mutual friend, Samantha, would be busy organizing a 460-mile volunteer transport to get him from Fort Lauderdale to Savannah on Easter Sunday. He had no idea that he would soon be named “Newman” and that he would fall in love with his volunteer drivers: Wendy, Ellen, Audrie, Stefani, Trevor, Jessica, Jenn, and Maresy. He also had no idea that Stefani and Trevor would give him the stuffed chicken squeaky toy that he now carries everywhere.

Last week at this time, the yellow lab had no idea that his skin infections would soon be healing, his belly would be full and the maggot-infested wound in his elbow would be a distant memory. He had no idea that he would have a roof over his head and a soft bed to sleep on. He also had no idea just how much he would be loved.

It has been incredible to see the outpouring of support for sweet Newman. Thank you to those of you who have been directly involved in his rescue, and thank you to those of you who have been cheering him on from afar. Last week at this time, we had no idea just how many wonderful people this yellow lab would bring into our lives. Thank you for caring and thank you for being part of Team Newman.

If you would like to help cover the costs of Newman’s medical care, please click here to donate.