Pumpkin King’s Story

Beneath the weight of neglect, where love seemed forgotten, a small heartbeat whispered,

“I’m still here.”

Underneath all the mats and dirt, there was still a little dog fighting to be seen… and his name is Pumpkin King.

When Pumpkin King was first brought into San Antonio Animal Care Services, it was hard to tell he was even a dog. His tiny body was hidden beneath layers of matted fur so thick his legs couldn’t stretch, and one cheek was stuck to his shoulder. His coat was heavy with dirt, feces, and debris. It was heartbreaking — but even through all that pain, his tail still wagged.

After everything he’d endured, Pumpkin King’s journey to healing began the moment he reached the Animal Defense League of Texas. Despite all he’d been through, he hadn’t lost hope — leaning into every gentle touch and soaking up love like he’d been waiting for it all along.

At ADL, his journey began with a medical groom that lasted an hour and a half. 1.8 pounds of matted fur were carefully shaved off his 17-pound body. With every bit that came off, his eyes grew brighter, and his tail wagged harder, until he was showering everyone with kisses.

From there, the team at Hounds Town Northeast welcomed him for a complimentary spa day where he could finally just… be a dog again. He even made his TV debut on FoxSA and News4 to show off his new look. Soon after, the kind folks at Zoomin Groomin gifted Pumpkin King with a full professional groom — trimming away the last traces of pain and neglect until he was clean, soft, and shining like he was meant to all along.

Today, Pumpkin King is living the dream — warm, happy, and loved in his forever home. The tiny dog who once couldn’t lift his head now greets every day with spunk and joy.

Pumpkin King’s story is what our Second Chances Campaign is all about — giving pets who have been through the toughest battles the chance to heal, grow, and live full lives. 🐾

You can help pets like Pumpkin King by donating to our Paws for a Cause Emergency Medical Fund at adltexas.org/pawsforacause today.

Together, we can make more second chances possible!