A few months ago, a rescue found a dog in a heartbreaking state: after being abandoned, the dog was skeletally thin and huddling under leaves for warmth. But now, this sweet dog finally has a happy ending… In November, Ruff Start Rescue, a nonprofit based in Minnesota, reported on a heartbreaking recent intake. An 8-year-old dog was found in Hudson, Wisconsin, described as “an area notorious for abandoned animals.”

The dog was a “skeletal figure,” according to their post, emaciated from hunger. He had been fighting for survival with only a pile of leaves providing any warmth and comfort. He was also mostly blind.

It became clear that he was abandoned. “His snug collar hinted at a heartbreaking possibility: He might have been left in this state intentionally,” Ruff Start Rescue wrote. They later learned from authorities that the dog’s owner likely abandoned him twice: the same dog had been found in a similar state before and nursed back to health, only for the owner to claim him saying a friend lost him.

Ruff Start took in the dog, now named Brutus, and placed him in foster care where he could get the care and recovery he needed. The rescue wrote that despite everything he went through, Brutus remained resilient.

“The resilience of animals like Brutus continues to astound us,” they wrote, noting that the dog was “slowly finding his stride” and getting along with his foster siblings.

It became clear that he was abandoned. “His snug collar hinted at a heartbreaking possibility: He might have been left in this state intentionally,” Ruff Start Rescue wrote. They later learned from authorities that the dog’s owner likely abandoned him twice: the same dog had been found in a similar state before and nursed back to health, only for the owner to claim him saying a friend lost him.

Ruff Start took in the dog, now named Brutus, and placed him in foster care where he could get the care and recovery he needed. The rescue wrote that despite everything he went through, Brutus remained resilient.

“The resilience of animals like Brutus continues to astound us,” they wrote, noting that the dog was “slowly finding his stride” and getting along with his foster siblings.

In an update, they wrote that Brutus had gained 6 pounds. His affectionate side also shined through: they described him as a “true cuddle bug” who is “convinced that laps were made just for him!”

“Brutus is pretty awesome, and with the right environment, he’ll make an incredible addition to a loving home!”

As he regained his strength and recovered from past traumas, Brutus was placed up for adoption — and soon caught the eye of a perfect adopter.

A man named Tony told People that he came across Brutus’ adoption page and “he just melted my heart with those eyes.”