A dog cruelly left tied to a tree with no food or water is still searching for a loving home 190 days after being rescued.
Adorably named Pepperoni Pizza Slice, the five-year-old male pup was discovered tethered to a tree with nothing but a short rope and a secluded patch of woodland.
He had no note, no supplies, and may have been left for hours, possibly even days.
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According to the rescue centre that took him in, his story is far from simple.
And the ordeal has left him fearful and reactive around strangers.
“He was left long enough to learn that when you cry out, you’re not always heard,” a spokesperson from Watauga Humane Society told What’s The Jam.
“He doesn’t trust easily, and needs time to feel safe.
“He’s the kind of dog who watches from across the room before he dares to approach.
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“He needs a child-free, pet-free home with an experienced adopter.
“No chaos, no noise and no sudden moves.
“What he wants is space, patience, and someone who knows that healing doesn’t follow a schedule.”
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But once Pepperoni lets someone in, staff say he becomes loyal, playful and attentive.
The spokesperson said: “What a dog he is beneath the worry.
“He knows his commands, walks beautifully on a leash, and listens with his whole heart.
“He’s making steady progress with muzzle training.
“He allows handling of his ears, tail and paws.
“That’s how we know there is hope – that someone else could be his safe harbour.”
The rescue centre says his adoption won’t be quick – he’ll need multiple visits, patience and understanding.
The spokesperson added: “But if you’re someone who sees the beauty in the messy middle and if you know that trust earned is the strongest kind, then Pepperoni might just be your once-in-a-lifetime.”
Pepperoni Pizza Slice is a 5.5-year-old neutered male who has been at Watauga Humane Society in North Carolina, US, since 13 May 2025.
But he’s still holding out hope that the right person will look past his fear and see the loyal heart underneath.
For the adopter willing to offer patience, time and trust, he could become not just a rescue story – but a once-in-a-lifetime companion.
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