Dog Saved From Roadside Sleeps Peacefully on New Owner Knowing 'He's Safe'

A man's drive home took an unexpected turn when he spotted a dog that had been dumped by the side of the interstate. He decided to rescue the abandoned pup, never imagining how much the gentle soul would change his life.

The dog, since named R2, was very fortunate to be spotted by Roger, who doesn't wish to disclose his full name. Most people would probably have kept driving, but Roger didn't think twice about pulling over and taking the abandoned dog home.

Roger, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, told Newsweek that the dog ran straight to him as soon as he got out of the car, adding that he "was super skinny and weak, but very trusting right off the bat."

Once the pup was safely in the car, Roger took R2 to a vet as he was covered in fleas and his paws were misshapen, probably as a result of neglect.

"I would guess he was dumped a short time prior to me finding him. I don't think he could have really survived a long time on his own, and he would have wandered into traffic at some point," Roger said.

"The poor pup was covered in tics and fleas. He curled up in my lap and went right to sleep. We got him into the vet the same day, where the vet said, due to his paws and how he stood, along with his discolored fur, that he was more than likely put into a crate and never let out, having to stay in his own waste. He also had muzzle marks on his face like they always had one on him."

It became clear to Roger, who had three dogs already, that R2 needed him and that he could offer this lovable pup the help he so desperately needed. Two of his other dogs are also rescues, so Roger has seen first hand the difference he can make to a dog's life.

The Star Wars fan named the pup after the character R2D2, who he feels "is one of the best companion characters" in the franchise. Roger is hopeful that R2 will become his very own companion in life now too, especially given how much he loves to sleep on his lap while he works.

Roger continued: "Fast forward two weeks and one day later, today, and this pup is doing super well, like nothing ever happened. His paws are flat due to being in the crate all the time, but the sores are gone, the discoloration has all but faded, and we are doing therapy with him to get his paws normal.

"The only thing we've given this pup is love. Love has allowed him to grow and flourish. We did no more than that. He is doing fantastically well now, much better than I could have ever really hoped for."

Since R2 came into his life, Roger has been documenting his transformation on social media, through the TikTok account @thejourneyofr2. The first clip he posted, showing the malnourished and neglected pup sleeping soundly on his lap, has been viewed more than 4.8 million times and received over 751,300 likes since October 17.

Social media users were left horrified that R2 had been mistreated so badly, but also delighted that he will never have to experience such trauma ever again. Seeing the reaction to his viral TikTok posts, Roger told Newsweek that he hopes his compassion will inspire others and spread joy.

He said: "This pup has changed the dynamic of our home. It's always been a loving place, but he's added even more love. We also try and share love and kindness with others, and he has allowed for us to do that on a larger scale through social media. People seem to love him, which is really cool, and if he can make someone smile, that is awesome.

"My hope is that the people that view the TikTok channel can help spread love to others due to seeing the impact it's having on just one little creature. It's been a great tool to spread both awareness and joy."

The viral TikTok video has generated more than 26,000 comments since it was posted, much to Roger's amazement. Among the commenters, many people have praised him for saving R2, and pointed out how happy the pup appears in his new forever home.

One comment reads: "The deep sleep he's in, he knows he's safe now."

Another person responded: "He hit the lottery...or maybe you did."

"Thank you for taking him in and saving his life," wrote another TikTok user.

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