Veterinarians called his injuries among the worst they had ever treated. Today, his recovery is one of the most followed rescue stories in the country.
Found Dazed on Peavine Road
A friendly two-year-old Labrador mix known as Buddy was found in shock on Peavine Road in East Tate County, Mississippi. He had an extension cord twisted around his neck, and his face was severely burned. Local residents knew him as a gentle stray who followed neighborhood kids around.
The Tunica Humane Society took him in and rushed him for emergency care.
A Team of Veterinarians Steps In
Buddy was transferred to the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where a team led by Dr. Elizabeth Swanson took over his care. Vets said he was one of the most badly burned patients they had ever seen.
His treatment included a series of surgeries and skin grafts, and some reports say the grafts used fish skin. Doctors worked to protect his eyesight through the healing process.
The Day the Bandages Came Off
Months into his treatment, Buddy’s eye bandages were removed, and the Humane Society confirmed he could see again. Staff described his progress as miraculous. Later, Swanson said he was about 90% healed. Hair was growing back around his eyelids and at the edges of the burned area, and his whiskers were returning.
Swanson also made clear that he would need special care for the rest of his life, though she was optimistic about his future. “He’s a young dog,” she said. “He’s got a long life ahead of him.”
Ten Months Later, Home at Last
After 10 months of treatment, Buddy was released from the hospital. He went to a foster home with one of the veterinarians who helped save him, and later reports said his face had fully healed.
The community around him was huge. The Tunica Humane Society reported selling more than 10,000 “Buddy Strong” T-shirts to support his care, and supporters from across the country followed his progress.
What Buddy’s Story Teaches Us
Buddy survived because strangers stepped in: a person who found him, a shelter that acted fast, and veterinarians who refused to give up. His case also raised awareness about animal cruelty and about how young people learn empathy for animals.
How You Can Help Animals in Need
- Report suspected cruelty. Contact local animal control or the police. Do not confront anyone yourself.
- Support your local shelter. Donations, fostering and volunteering pay for emergency care.
- Teach children kindness. Early humane education helps prevent cruelty.
Caring for a Rescue Dog? Resources Worth Exploring
People inspired by stories like Buddy’s often look into:
- Pet health coverage. Compare pet insurance, emergency vet care plans and veterinary payment plans.
- Home care. Review pet first aid kits, dog wound care supplies and recovery cones and calming beds.
- Giving back. Consider animal shelter donations, foster dog programs and dog adoption.
- Learning. Look at dog training classes and pet first aid courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Buddy the dog? A Labrador mix found in Tate County, Mississippi, with severe burns on his face.
Who treated him? Veterinarians at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, working with the Tunica Humane Society.
Did Buddy survive? Yes. He left the hospital after 10 months of treatment.
Did Buddy keep his eyesight? Yes. The Humane Society confirmed he could see again after his bandages came off.
Where did Buddy go after leaving the hospital? To a foster home with one of the veterinarians who treated him.
Sources: Tunica Humane Society, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, WMC Action News 5, WTVA, WCBI, WJTV, WATE, Fox13 Memphis, and the Associated Press, covering the incident and Buddy’s recovery.
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