Severely emaciated dog rescued by Arizona Humane Society makes miraculous recovery

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A dog found severely emaciated in one of the worst conditions Arizona Humane Society staff have seen made a miraculous recovery, eventually finding his forever family.

In July 2025, AHS cruelty investigators received a report about a dog suffering from extreme malnutrition after being abandoned in an apartment. Powerline, a 4-year-old Catahoula mix, weighed just 35 pounds when he was found.

Veterinarians say the poor pup was dehydrated and extremely emaciated, with sores and cuts all over his body. Powerline was so frail that he was barely able to support his own body.

Vets implemented an extensive treatment strategy to nurse Powerline to health and get him on the road to recovery. His wounds were treated, and he was given subcutaneous fluids, which are injected between the skin and muscle to treat dehydration. Staff also started him on a feeding plan to gain weight and muscle.

Once Powerline gained some strength back, he was placed with a foster family, where he continued gaining weight and getting stronger.

In less than two months, the pup gained nearly 30 pounds, a stark contrast to the condition he was brought in. Powerline was taken home to his forever family in August, and he nearly doubled his weight during the recovery process.

In honor of the pup’s incredible journey, AHS and Hill’s Pet Nutrition are launching a $20,000 donation match to highlight stories just like Powerline’s.

The community is asked to donate to save sick, injured and abused animals. Those interested in donating at azhumane.org/Match.

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