Amazing stories of survival and recovery don’t just happen to us humans. Fate intervenes and unexpected rescues happen for sick, hurt, or abandoned animals just in the nick of time.

In many cases, the circumstances that led to the rescue are horrendous and make you wonder what would have happened if things continued. That’s because people can be cruel. But we can be awesome too. A pit bull named Patrick was saved from the dank depths of a Newark, New Jersey apartment garbage chute by an awesome person.

Wrapped in a plastic bag and tossed nearly 20 stories down by an abusive owner, the pup was extremely gaunt. With his ribcage visible and a face that looked like he expected his life to be over, Patrick was clinging to his life.

A building worker noticed the bag was moving and discovered the 1-year-old puppy at the bottom of the chute. He was immediately taken to a veterinary emergency center by the local humane society.

Named Patrick because he was found a day before St. Patricks’ Day, he was in horrible shape. Not only was he thin from being starved and dehydrated, but he also had sores and skin hanging from his body.

He wasn’t expected to live. Weighing only 19 pounds, his body temperature was also low. Hospital workers worked tirelessly to save him, and spent a year caring for the pooch with the aid of volunteers. Patrick had to learn how to trust humans as well as regain his strength. And he did!

He gained weight, grew his fur back, and became a loving, snuggly doggie. During that time, Drs. Thomas and Patricia Scavelli, administrators at Garden State Veterinary Services, fell in love with Patrick and became his foster parents.

Patrick’s survival story attracted worldwide attention not only for his remarkable recovery, but as a call for legislative action. The owner faced various charges for neglect, abandonment, and torture, and the city’s mayor and courthouse received calls and letters pushing for action.

The owner’s alleged story was that she tied him to a rail and left town for a week, hoping that someone else would take him. But judging by the damage to Patrick, he was being mistreated for longer than a week. A couple of years later, she was only sentenced to probation and restitution, but Patrick’s case did lead to stricter animal cruelty penalties.

Patrick’s Law was created to preserve animal rights and punish animal abusers. Governor Christie signed a law into effect that makes cruelty and neglect a fourth-degree crime. Punishment includes jail time and increased fines which go up according to the number of offenses a person has committed.

The amazing strides Patrick has made over the years are inspiring. His journey back to health included food, physical therapy, and blood transfusions, but some of his biggest doses of medicine came from love. Today, Patrick is living in his forever home with the Scavellis where he’s getting that and more!

Are you familiar with Patrick the Miracle Dog? Have you ever nursed an abused or abandoned animal back to health?