They say every dog deserves a good owner, but not every owner deserves a dog, and we couldn’t agree more. The harsh reality is that for most dogs, their first brush with betrayal is often from the people they once considered their family. Roman, a sweet-natured German Shepherd, knows this too well. For an entire year, he endured unimaginable abuse and neglect from his owner when all he wanted was to be adored and cared for; abuse that left his spirits and trust in humans crushed beyond revival. (Watch video below)

Nearly mistaken for a whole different animal species, Roman’s initial physical state was gut-wrenching. He was emaciated due to prolonged starvation and had lost almost all fur on his body, giving fleas an opportunity to eat away at his exposed skin. The long-term neglect led to him developing severe ear and eye infections that robbed him of his ability to hear and see.

In addition, Roman’s spine and bones were visible through his skin, a telltale sign of the extent of his malnutrition.

Life-Changing Rescue

Roman’s deteriorating health and well-being happened under his owner’s watch, as they had, on numerous occasions, refused to surrender the poor dog when requested by concerned individuals. Not to mention, Roman’s owner repeatedly turned down help from people willing to rescue Roman.

Thankfully, law enforcement eventually seized Roman from his cruel owner with the help of one kind-hearted individual who could no longer continue turning a blind eye to Roman’s soul-crushing plight.

A Safe Heaven

Amber Davis, as documented on her TikTok account @amberldavis, offered to foster Roman, setting the wheels of his new phase of life in motion. Winning Roman’s trust was no small feat for Amber, as Roman had already developed a deep-seated mistrust toward humans. During the initial days at his loving foster home, Roman exhibited a fearful, defeated glint in his eyes, a sign that he was yet to feel safe with his new owner.

As days went by, though, things began to turn around for the better. Despite the emotional and physical pain he was in, Roman allowed himself to relax and bask in the warmth of Amber’s gentle care and kindness. Taking this brave step helped close the emotional gap between them, with Roman’s gratitude manifesting in how he reciprocates the affection shown to him. Roman is now so fond of Amber, and it’s evident he considers her his human savior.

Goodbye Suffering, Hello Hope

Although Roman still has a long way to go in his recovery, he’s wholeheartedly accepting all the help extended to him by his foster. He is on various medications to address every underlying health issue he has, and medicated baths and ointments are part of his daily routine.

Roman also spends his days and nights in a t-shirt because of how sensitive and exposed his skin is. Even though his recovery is slow (but steady), each day brings along small victories. His fur is slowly growing back, his personality emerging, and his ear infections have all cleared up.

Thanks to the consistent care and love from his foster, Roman’s eyes now brighten with hope and peace, signaling his determination to put his cruel past behind him. His journey from a forsaken pet to a cherished one goes to show that good humans do exist, and that with gentle care, an abused dog can learn to love and trust again.