Called “perhaps one of the worst cases of animal abuse we’d ever seen” by the rescue group who saved him, Dwayne has been through so much. The two-year-old Pointer mix was picked up on the streets of Tijuana, Mexico, after he was found scourging for food, while some local residents, disgusted by his appearance, threw hot water and stones at him.

Dwayne’s original owner beat him, and kept him in a cruel wire muzzle, which cut into his face and caused irreversible damage. When the owner was jailed for an unrelated offence, Dwayne was left to fend for himself, having to survive attacks from both strange people and other street dogs.

Despite everything, a spokesperson for Helen Woodward Animal Center, where Dwayne is now cared for, says the dog has ‘the kindest soul’.

A full veterinary check up in California revealed the extent of Dwayne’s suffering in terms of both old injuries and new. His ears were a state from fights on the street, and his right leg had been kicked from the socket time and time again. Dwayne’s face causes him the most difficulty, as his misshapen muzzle causes problems with both drinking and breathing. But he still trusts, and he still loves.

“It’s unbelievable. This beautiful dog took all the despicable abuse and neglect man can show to an animal and still he wouldn’t turn on mankind. Helping animals like this is at the heart of Helen Woodward Animal Center. This is what we stand for and we’ll do everything we can to care for him and protect him,” said Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO Mike Arms.

With dates for various surgical operations set, Dwayne has a long road to recovery ahead, and is now spending his days in a loving foster home.