Owner Chains ‘Diseased’ Pup to Old Truck and Leaves Him to Starve

When Duke started coughing, his owners didn’t take him to the vet. Instead, they chained him outside, warning neighbors he was “diseased” and telling them to stay away. For ten long days, Duke was left tied to an old truck in the scorching heat — terrified, broken, and utterly alone.

Covered in fleas, lying in his own waste, and unable to move, Duke clung to life in a backyard in Bulgaria. His owners had abandoned him and crushed his feet, trying to silence him forever.

But someone noticed.

Alie, a kind woman, couldn’t ignore Duke’s suffering and contacted Rudozem Street Dog Rescue (RSDR). When cofounder Tony Rowles arrived, he was stunned. “He was very scared,” Tony said. “There was a stench of ammonia. He couldn’t move anywhere. It was totally overwhelming.”

Veterinarians confirmed Duke’s feet were shattered — ligaments gone, bones floating. Despite the trauma, Duke hadn’t given up.

Tony brought Duke home instead of the overcrowded shelter. Slowly, with patience and care, Duke discovered what a safe life felt like: rest, food, and gentle hands. “He was scared at first,” Tony said, “but he bonded with my wife Diane. He just loved her.”

After surgery and dedicated care, Duke began to heal — inside and out.

Today, Duke lives in England with a loving woman who adores him. He runs, plays, and showers kisses. The fear and chains are gone. What remains is pure love.

Duke’s story is a powerful reminder: rescue doesn’t just save lives, it changes them in ways we never thought possible.