This abused elderly pup changed his foster mum's life so much she adopted him

Culkin was removed from his abusive owner’s house after he had suffered horrendous injuries. His road to recovery wasn’t easy, but the ASPCA’s dedication and teamwork turned him into a healthier and more balanced dog. Culkin and his foster mama Chynna really needed each other in their lives, and it was only natural that she ended up offering him a loving forever home.

Neglected and mistreated

Sweet and loving dog Culkin was rescued from his abusive owner around Christmas, hence his Home Alone-inspired name. He had been mistreated beyond belief. NYPD obtained a stomach-turning video where the pooch is seen bleeding from his wounds, yet sitting patiently outside his house and waiting to be let back in.

Culkin’s injuries were consistent with sharp force trauma and were enough to remove him from his heartless abuser’s home.

On the road to recovery

The ASPCA provided the animal with much-needed urgent vet care, stitching up 'curved laceration-type wounds' on his right front paw. They were heartbroken to discovera few serious chronic conditions that had been left untreated.

Culkin had a horrible ear infection that had led to an aural hematoma. He also had skin and dental diseases, as well as a small mass on his hind right leg. Sadly, the physical injuries were not the only trauma he had to overcome.

Due to everything he had been through, Culkin was extremely stressed in his kennel. The ASPCA’s behaviour team worked hard to build positive associations and for him to spend as much time as possible outside of the shelter.

A foster mama

As time went by, the behaviour team’s efforts paid off. Culkin was a whole new dog when he met his first foster mama.

Chynna always loved animals and wanted one, but felt limited by time and money for a long time. Upon returning from living in a foreign country, she gathered the courage to foster a dog, and this is how she came across Culkin.

And that survivor was no ordinary dog. Chynna was surprised at how quick the witty pooch adjusted to his temporary home. To her delight, Culkin started sleeping with his head on the pillow face-to-face with her, just like a human, in a matter of days.

The foster mama hadn’t planned on adopting a pet. She chose large, old Culkin partly because she believed it would ensure his stay would be temporary. But she quickly understood how wrong she was.

‘Culkin is the best thing to ever happen to me’

Less than a month after taking Culkin into her care Chynna knew she wanted to adopt him. The decision didn't come easy but, as she admitted later, was 'worth it tenfold'. She said:

Culkin is the best thing to ever happen to me. My entire life has changed.

According to Chynna, having the pooch by her side helped her depression and anxiety struggle. She felt ‘physically happier and calmer’ around him.

To mark leaving his old life behind and embarking on a new, happier, and healthier journey, Chynna changed Culkin’s name to Mac.

This first-time foster mama became this dog’s hero and gave him the unconditional love and care he deserved. She changed his life just like he did hers.

You can become the hero in an animal’s story by becoming a foster caregiver. Find more information and support the charity on the ASPCA's website.

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