Reddit Rallies Behind A Charitable Man Who Rescued And Rehabilitated An Alcoholic Dog From His Previous Owners Who Conditioned Him To Drink For Their Amusement

Digger's journey from an alcoholic pup to a social and loving dog is incredible!

Chelsi

• Published in Animal Stories
• May 26, 2023

An extraordinary post on Reddit about rehabilitating an alcoholic dog tugged at the heartstrings of animal lovers. The OP was visiting his relatives when they popped over to their neighbor's residence.

The two guys living in the house hoarded junk and animals. They trained one of their dogs to drink half a bottle of wine before each meal.

They conditioned him by withholding his food until he finishes his designated half bottle. They had a lot of fun at first watching the dog stagger around after drinking the wine.

The trick got old fast when the dog's tolerance for alcohol got better. They were thinking of getting rid of him, but OP volunteered to adopt the dog instead.

OP realized how serious the dog's problem with alcohol dependence was when he brought him home. OP opened a bottle of wine for himself and the dog launched himself at him to lick the wine from his mouth.

He took him to a veterinarian who estimated the dog to be around 6 years of age. The vet remarked that alcoholism in dogs is highly unusual.

He couldn't recommend a treatment plan officially but advised OP off the record. Making the dog quit drinking cold turkey was highly dangerous, so weaning him off of his daily alcohol allowance was the way to go.

OP was determined to help the sweet dog recover from his alcohol dependence

He also noticed how the dog cowered in fear everytime OP raised his arms higher than his shoulders. His good-for-nothing owners also physically abused him.

OP owns another dog who is a boxer mix and his new dog seems to be of a similar breed. They got along famously!

OP says he felt happy watching them play. Until, of course, the new dog thinks it's time for his alcohol.

OP knew the dog has a long road ahead of him, but he didn't want to give up on the poor pup

He asked the r/dogs subreddit if they have heard of a similar situation that could help OP and his new dog through the challenging withdrawal

OP then updated that he reported the community to the police and submitted some photo evidence to backup his story

Two vets teamed up to give OP a better plan on how to rehabilitate the alcoholic dog. They will monitor him and his liver twice a week to see if his body is able to withstand the process.

He also got a call from his relatives and got yelled at for sending the police at their doors

Here's a photo of OP's dog. He does look like a sweet pup!

OP posted an update 8 days after the initial one and it looked like the dog did well!

As per doctors' orders, they slowly weaned him off from the wine and switched to cider. They also saw how bad his separation anxiety was.

He didn't go through any serious withdrawal symptoms which OP and the vets were happy about. The new dog had no problems fitting in with OP's cats and dog!

The vet also prescribed the dog some valium to help with the agitation he feels before drinking his cider

OP was also excommunicated by his relatives and the community that used to own the dog after they've been charged by the police for multiple offenses

A week later and we got another positive update from OP!

Everybody, say hi to Digger!

Digger made it through a day without drinking any alcohol!

They had to wean him off the cider faster than planned because of the alarming test results that indicated liver trouble

He definitely felt the impact of going without alcohol but dear old Digger soldiered on!

Digger had a rough start in life, but OP's intervention will allow him to live out the rest of it as a happy and sober dog!

He will continue with his medication under the strict monitoring of his doctors

Digger is Australian through and through as proven by his favorite treat — bread with vegemite spread!

Sadly, yet unsurprising, the community that abused Digger committed worse things than animal cruelty.

So, through saving Digger, OP also saved children from further abuse by a community that clearly didn't care for them.

OP's wonderful vet friend didn't charge him for Digger's consultations. OP only had to pay for the lab tests and base cost of the medicine!

The wonderful subreddit of r/dogs couldn't get enough of the wonderful updates from OP and digger!

OP kept his word and gave another positive update a few weeks later!

Our champ is loving all the belly rubs it seems!

He is finally living the life that he deserves!

Digger kept OP company while he was under the weather

Digger has survived DAYS without alcohol! He and OP's other dog have been chasing each other around every chance they get!

Obviously, Digger doesn't want to miss any of the sweet moments between OP and his girlfriend

Decreasing the dosage of his valium was a non-issue for OP's not-so-little trooper

Digger also discovered the delight of playing with toys! His personal challenge is finding the squeaker inside of them as fast as he can.

He's also learning how to trust other people who are not OP and even manages a few minutes alone

OP's rescue of Digger has uncovered much more sinister activities in the community that once abused him.

OP was not permitted to post a link to the articles that investigated the community, but inquisitive minds can rely on Google if they want to learn more

The subreddit truly rallied behind OP and Digger! It was a difficult story to read but the support was heartwarming.

OP's vet friend is another hero in this story who deserved the recognition!

OP joyfully reported that Digger's future is no longer a question mark, but a loving one that he can look forward to!

OP shared some photos of Digger's journey. OP captioned, "In the car."

"Trying to eat pie off my face."

"Here he is, smiling for the camera!"

"Digger and my Cat Zorro sleeping next to each other"

OP was sick when he posted a Digger update two months later

Here's a look at our happy duo on the way home from the vet clinic

Digger eventually learned that he will never be abandoned again and he has kind human to rely upon

OP and Digger's vet thought of writing a book to discuss the dog's incredible recovery to help other owners out there who might encounter their own Digger

Digger is slowly realizing how to move within a family unit and is loving all of the attention & play he gets

Digger and Chester even made friends with their new Jack Russell Terrier neighbors and have frequent play dates with them!

Digger's sorrowful past didn't color his view of humans as he welcomes the pets from strangers and kids alike

Digger is also somewhat of a medical alert dog for OP. He is in tune and alerts him when he is about to have a seizure.

OP thanked all of the Redditors who cheered them on from the beginning and encouraged OP not to give up on Digger

The Redditors all over the world, Digger's vets, and OP's unwavering belief made it possible for Digger to recover!

Redditors couldn't help but be furious at Digger's previous owners. Digger would have had a short and painful life if not for OP.

Digger's previous owners starved and physically abused him until he learned that he won't get his meal until he drank alcohol

OP was right on the nose when he said that he saw the best and worst of humanity throughout Digger's journey

I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop with each update but thankfully Digger survived his withdrawal

OP rescued a dog, at least 10 children, and saved future victims from abusive people that would have traumatized them

I have never read a more heartbreaking and touching story on Reddit. OP's and Digger's journeys were truly extraordinary.

OP was dealing with his own health issues while rehabilitating Digger but he never gave up on him. May they live long and fulfilling lives!

Chelsi