Michigan Community Comes Together To Save Abandoned Dog

When I was a kid, it was almost impossible to watch TV without that commercial of animals in shelters with Sarah McLachlan's song playing over it. Any decent human can't see an abused animal and not feel something. It takes a terrible person to put that animal in that position.

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Which is precisely what happened to poor little Wilber in Iosco County, who the Iosco Humane Society rescued, and is possibly one of the most brutal videos of an abused dog I've ever seen.

TRIGGER WARNING: Photos and videos of animal cruelty ahead.

While it was a difficult watch, the video resonated with lots of people, and the community support that followed was an incredible example of a community coming together for a good cause.

Meet Wilber, Iosco County's Beloved Dog

On November 18th, the Iosco Humane Society (IHS) posted a video on Facebook of Wilber after a man sitting in a deer blind witnessed three girls dump the poor puppy in the woods. Upon being brought to the IHS, it was discovered that the dog was infested with fleas, had an ear infection, was anemic and dehydrated, and had lived in a confined space due to its gait.

Wilber Goes Viral

It was clear the pup would need extensive help, so the IHS reached out to the community for assistance paying for the medical bills. Wilber was in luck - the video of the abused pup went viral, gaining over 200K views, over 3000 likes, and 600 comments. Donations and offers to adopt Wilber began pouring in.

The community's support led the IHS to announce that Wilber's medical bills were fully covered. He has begun his path to recovery, as his back legs continue to get stronger and he heals from his ailments.

UPDATE (12/11/25): Sadly, the Iosco County Humane Society posted to Facebook that sweet Wilber passed away.