NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Groomers in Tennessee rescued a 7-year-old Great Pyrenees that had been confined to a small barn stall for his entire life.
In the Facebook post by Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, the rescuers describe the life the dog had before he was rescued. Lazarus, as he is know known to his new owners, had spent a life in a barn stall with his food and water merely tossed over to him at meal time.
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The space where Lazarus lived had years of feces piled up, apparently never removed from his enclosure. When he was rescued, it had to be removed with a shovel to open the door.
Not long after he was rescued, Lazarus had his overgrown coat shaved, about 35 pounds worth according to KTTV.
Since his rescue, Lazarus has been able to walk on grass for the first time in his life, although he is unable to walk normally from the effects of living in such a small space for seven years.
The previous owner of Lazarus is terminally ill and a neighbor is credited with contacting the rescue group to assist in getting the dog to a new home.
Big Fluffy Dog Rescue credited the good Samaritans in their Facebook:
"But for the actions of a good Samaritan who came out to rescue him, this dog may never have seen the light of day."
Despite a few tumors, a broken tail and a long recovery period, the rescue group says he is happy.
If you would like to donate to his recovery, you can find out how here.