Dog with Swollen Head from Tight Chain Is Finally Safe

Every dog deserves respect and love—not to be treated like livestock or suffer for human convenience. Chunk the Hunk’s story is a powerful reminder of why we must speak up when something seems wrong.

A volunteer with R.A.D. Rescue was driving through Bakersfield, California, when she spotted a dog digging through trash—hungry and alone. At first, she thought his extra-chubby face was cute, but soon realized something was terribly wrong.

“His head was incredibly swollen from having a tight chain around his neck,” she shared on TikTok.

Chunk the Hunk, a pit bull, was in serious trouble. The volunteer coaxed him with chicken, loaded him into her car, and rushed him to the vet. Despite the pain, Chunk sat calmly in the backseat, resting his swollen head and smiling, as if he sensed his life was about to change.

The swelling was treatable, and with medical care, his face gradually returned to normal. But his body wasn’t the only thing needing healing—Chunk had spent much of his life chained up with little freedom.

Rescuers began teaching him how to be a dog again—through training, running, and play. Slowly, Chunk blossomed into a loving, well-behaved, and happy companion.

Yet, despite going viral on TikTok with over 5 million views, Chunk received fewer than five adoption applications and spent months waiting in boarding and training.

But the wait ended. Bakersfield Strays shared the heartwarming news: Chunk finally found the perfect forever family and is thriving—proof that patience, love, and second chances truly change lives.