About three years ago, a homeowner in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was startled when they heard desperate howls coming from an open septic tank near their property. The Good Samaritan hurried over to investigate, and what they found broke their heart.
There in the tank, struggling to keep his head above the dirty water, was a terrified dog.
The homeowner called local animal control authorities, who raced to the scene, pulled the pup out from the dangerous hole, and brought him to the Orangeburg Animal Shelter. Later that day, shelter staff posted about the pup online and shared his harrowing story.
When team members from Labor of Love Transport Rescue saw the post, they knew they had to help. They coordinated for the dog’s transfer and soon welcomed him into a loving foster home.
Rescuers named the pup Andy Dufresne, after the resilient main character in “The Shawshank Redemption.” They gave him multiple baths as they worked to remove the stench of septic water from his fur.Andy’s foster mom, Andrea Roubal, could tell that the grateful dog would need space and time to recuperate.
“He knew he was safe as soon as he stepped into our home,” Roubal told The Dodo “You could see a weight was lifted off of him as he ate and immediately drifted off to sleep, and then he slept for days with sporadic breaks for meals and potty breaks.”
As Andy continued improving, his personality began to shine.
“Eventually, the true Andy, [the] sweet and happy entertainer, broke through the mask of [the] exhausted and sad boy,” Roubal said.
Soon, Andy was ready to search for his permanent family. When Andy’s mom saw his picture on the rescue’s website, she immediately knew he was the one.
“It was love at first sight,” Andy’s mom told The Dodo.
A few months after adopting Andy, the family adopted another dog, Ellis, who quickly became Andy’s best friend.
“With Ellis by his side and with our ongoing training, Andy's confidence has blossomed,” Andy’s mom said. “So much so [that] he is a regular visitor at our local nursing home. He sits patiently, takes treats gently, and accepts pets from all the residents. The joy he brings them is indescribable.”
Three years after Andy’s incredible rescue, Roubal remains in awe of the pup’s amazing courage and transformation.
“Andy could have simply surrendered to his fate and slipped away,” Roubal said. “Instead, he fought to survive … His determination and persistence is something that all of us need to remember in our lives.”
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