An abused and abandoned puppy is safe in the arms of rescuers in St. Louis’ Stray Dog District after receiving a call from a good Samaritan.

The concerned caller informed them that the dog was an anxious resident hiding in a pile of trash, where many neighbors dump their trash and unwanted belongings.

Some evil person thought that was where this puppy belonged.

Rescuers noticed that “Chowder” had injuries on his face. “He’s just a little puppy! His eyes are smashed and he has puncture wounds on his face. Despite everything he’s been through, he’s very happy,” Stray Kids wrote on Facebook. “He’s safe now.”

When Donna approached Chowder, he wagged his tail and let her pick him up. The good Samaritan told them that there are people in the neighborhood involved “with pit bulls, meaning dog fighting.” Chowder was likely used as a bait dog and was often attacked by a large dog.

As Chowder was being put into the car, he hit his head hard on one of his shoulders.

“I just imagined his face in our arms on his journey to freedom,” they wrote. “The thought of someone treating him brings tears to our eyes. This angel needs us. We are so grateful to those who called for taking action.”

Seeing the heartwarming photo, one of Stray Geᴜe’s followers wrote, “It’s like he’s shifting the weight of his pain onto the shoulders of someone who will heal him! Oh my heart!”

Chowder is now on his way to a happy life. Once he has been “fixed,” he will look for his forever home.