Gunnar – The Puppy Who Survived the Middle of Nowhere
When a tiny puppy named Gunnar was just seven weeks old, he found himself completely alone in the middle of nowhere. His mother and siblings had just been rescued by animal control — but in a heartbreaking mistake, Gunnar was accidentally left behind.
For an entire week, the helpless pup tried to survive on his own. There was no food, no warmth, and no one to protect him from the cold nights and loneliness.
“He’d had a week of being cold and scared and alone,” said Rachael Sylvester, founder of the South African rescue group Sidewalk Specials.
A Cry for Help Answered
When Sidewalk Specials heard about the abandoned puppy, they immediately rushed to find him.
As Rachael approached, she saw a tiny figure in the dirt — trembling, weak, and clutching something in his mouth.
It was a piece of old bread, almost bigger than his head. Despite his exhaustion and fear, Gunnar wagged his tail and looked up at her, as if to say “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“He was still wagging his tail, still happy to see us, still wanting to share his piece of bread,” Rachael recalled.
That single moment said everything about Gunnar’s spirit — fragile, yet full of hope.
Fighting for His Life
Rachael scooped him up and rushed him straight to the vet. The news wasn’t good.
Gunnar was anemic, suffering from tick bite fever, worm and tick infestations, and a painful eye infection. He was severely malnourished and dangerously weak.
“He had one of the worst cases of infestation we’d ever seen,” the rescue shared on Facebook.
But Gunnar refused to give up. After a night at the clinic, with medicine, food, and gentle care, the tiny puppy began to wag his tail again. His will to live was stronger than anyone expected.
“His positive attitude kept him going,” said Rachael. “Even when he could barely stand, he was smiling at us.”
A New Beginning
Just a week later, Gunnar met Freya, the woman who would become his forever mom. From the moment she held him, it was clear they were meant for each other.
“He wasn’t difficult to open up to us at all,” Freya said. “It was like he instantly knew he was home.”
For the first time in his life, Gunnar had a warm bed, a full belly, and someone to love him every single day.
The Life He Deserves
Years later, Gunnar has completely transformed. He’s healthy, confident, and full of energy — with one adorable obsession: hunting for rocks.
“He’ll wander around until he finds the perfect one,” Freya laughed. “Then he proudly brings it to me like a gift.”
Those days of fear and loneliness are long behind him now. Today, Gunnar spends his time playing in the yard, going on walks, and showering his family with love.
From Forgotten to Forever Loved
Once left behind in the middle of nowhere, Gunnar’s story is now a testament to resilience, kindness, and second chances.
He’s no longer the scared little puppy clutching a piece of bread — he’s a happy, beloved dog who finally knows what love feels like.