Thrown Away — But Not Forgotten: Daytona’s Story
Last Sunday morning, Florida Fish and Wildlife officer Brandon Arroyo got a call that stopped him cold: a neighbor in his Daytona Beach apartment complex had spotted a dog inside the building’s trash compactor.
Brandon and his wife, Heather Jones, ran to the scene — and there, at the bottom of the compactor, was a big black dog staring back up at them.
Heather had seen videos of abandoned animals online, but nothing could prepare her for seeing one trapped in such a horrifying place. They quickly realized there was no way the dog could have gotten in there on his own — someone had put him there.
Gaining his trust was the first step. The dog was too scared to take treats, so Brandon simply stood nearby, letting him get used to his scent. Finally, when the moment was right, Brandon reached down and pulled him to safety.
Up close, the truth hit hard — someone had tried to throw this dog away like garbage. He was malnourished, dehydrated, and defeated, but alive.
They named him Daytona, after the place he was rescued. Within just a few days, with food, water, and gentle care, Daytona began to transform. Beneath his frightened shell emerged a sweet, loyal, and grateful soul.
Daytona Beach Police even stepped in to help, arranging an X-ray and delivering supplies. Now fostered through Pet Rescue By Judy, Daytona is getting the medical care — and the love — he’s always deserved.
Whether he stays with Brandon and Heather or finds another forever family, one thing is certain: Daytona will never be discarded again.