Buddy was cruelly set on fire and strangled with an extension cord – but look at him today

It’s heartbreaking how cruel some people can be, especially toward animals that only want love and companionship. Dogs are some of the most loyal and innocent beings, yet far too often, they suffer unimaginable abuse. One such case is the story of Buddy, a sweet dog who endured a horrific act of violence. But against all odds, he’s now on a remarkable road to recovery, thanks to the love and dedication of his caregivers.

In April 2021, the Tunica Humane Society in Mississippi shared the devastating story of Buddy, a friendly and carefree dog who was the victim of an unspeakable crime. Buddy had always been gentle and never posed a threat to anyone. Tragically, someone chose to inflict unimaginable pain on him. Buddy was discovered with his face completely burned, blackened by fire, and with an extension cord cruelly wrapped around his neck. It was later revealed that a child confessed to setting Buddy on fire. However, due to being under the age of 12, the child could not be legally prosecuted for this act.

Following the attack, Buddy was immediately placed under the care of the Tunica Humane Society and received critical medical treatment from the Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The team of compassionate veterinarians and specialists began what would be a long, challenging journey toward healing. Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, an associate professor and veterinary surgeon, explained that while Buddy’s vital signs were stable, burn injuries like his represent just the beginning of a very steep uphill battle. The focus was on keeping him comfortable, managing any emerging complications, and providing consistent wound care and bandage changes.

Despite the severity of the burns, there was a glimmer of hope: Buddy did not lose his eyesight. The Humane Society reported that his eyes were still intact, though his eyelids had been damaged and would need surgical reconstruction. It was anticipated that Buddy would retain some vision once fully healed. Even while his entire upper body was wrapped in protective bandages, Buddy continued to display resilience and strength. His spirits remained high, and his will to recover never wavered.

Day by day, Buddy made steady progress. The Humane Society often shared updates on Facebook, expressing how impressed his medical team was with his healing. Skin grafts were successful, and though burn recovery is notoriously slow, Buddy was doing exceptionally well. Each bandage change revealed improvement, especially in the appearance of his face. As he healed, he also began learning basic commands, showcasing his intelligence and eagerness to engage with people again.

“This sweet, friendly dog didn’t deserve what happened to him,” the Humane Society wrote. “He wasn’t a threat to anyone. What happened to Buddy was nothing short of cruel and calculated.” They expressed hope that Buddy’s suffering would not be in vain—that his story would inspire change and justice for animals who endure similar abuse.

As Buddy’s journey gained attention online, his story touched hearts around the world. People followed his recovery closely, rooting for him every step of the way. Thanks to the tireless efforts of his veterinary team, Buddy underwent successful skin grafts and required fewer and fewer bandages as time passed. Bit by bit, his former personality began to shine through again.

By the summer of 2021, a major milestone in Buddy’s recovery was celebrated. The Humane Society announced a huge turning point—Buddy’s bandages were removed from his eyes for the first time without requiring heavy sedation. This meant Buddy could finally see again. It was the first time in over three months that he could open his eyes and look at the world around him. The team rejoiced at the miracle, confirming that Buddy still had vision, answering the prayers of thousands who had followed his story.

To understand the weight of that moment, it’s important to remember that the last time Buddy had seen anything was in the terrifying moments before the attack. In a single instant, his entire life had changed. Now, after months of recovery, he was seeing light, faces, and movement once again. It was a crucial step toward helping Buddy feel like a dog again.

With his sight restored, Buddy’s personality blossomed. Sandy Williams, director of the Tunica Humane Society, noted that Buddy was finally acting like a happy, playful dog again. He was walking the halls of the hospital carrying a ball in his mouth, full of energy and joy. His love for playing fetch and his excitement to interact with people showed that despite all he had been through, his spirit was unbroken.

Though his progress has been incredible, Buddy’s journey isn’t over. He still requires specialized care, and the damage to his eyelids means he’ll need additional surgeries to fully protect his eyes. His skin remains sensitive, and he’ll need lifelong care, including eye drops and sun protection. He’ll never be able to spend long hours in direct sunlight like most dogs. But despite these challenges, Buddy now has a chance at a full and happy life—something that once seemed nearly impossible.

For everyone who followed Buddy’s story, his recovery is a symbol of hope and resilience. The love and dedication shown by the Tunica Humane Society and the Mississippi State veterinary team have been instrumental in turning tragedy into triumph. Buddy may carry the scars of his past, but he’s no longer defined by them. Instead, he stands as a reminder of what compassion and care can achieve.

We’re beyond thankful to see Buddy thriving again. His journey proves that even the darkest stories can have a light at the end—when people choose to care, fight for justice, and believe in the healing power of love.