A dog named Buddy, once described as “happy and carefree,” suffered severe burns in April 2021 when a child set him on fire. Found with his face charred and an extension cord around his neck, Buddy was taken in by the Tunica Humane Society in Mississippi and treated at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The child responsible was under 12 and could not be prosecuted.

Dr. Elizabeth Swanson said recovery was “the bottom of a tall mountain,” but Buddy’s vital signs were good. Despite damage to his eyelids, vets believed his eyesight was intact. “Burn wounds are a very slow process but Buddy is excelling in his healing,” the Humane Society shared.

Buddy underwent multiple skin grafts and slowly needed fewer bandages. “Now that his ears are loose from the bandages, he is much happier and more playful,” the rescue reported.

On August 7, a milestone was reached: Buddy’s eye bandages were removed without sedation. “YES, Buddy can still see,” the Humane Society announced.

“Buddy’s whole personality has changed since seeing the light of day,” said director Sandy Williams. “He is happy, playful, and walking the halls of the hospital with a great big ball in his mouth.”