A little dog found in a pitiful state rolled up in an old tire, as his only protection from the weather and his injuries, left his hero heartbroken.

With all he had to offer, Figo thanked his rescuer for rescuing him from a life of pain, hunger and cold.

And what does a dog have to offer? Love, of course! Lots of canine hugs and kisses. Here is Figo’s story.

Sad and in a very fragile state, this little dog did not fail to be gentle with people.

Greece is full of street animals. After the economic crisis in the country last year, many animals were abandoned and dumped on the streets to multiply and live a life of disease and malnutrition.

But the mission of a man named Takis is to rescue these abandoned animals.

It all started when he found a dog with a broken leg, struggling to survive in a garbage-strewn area near his home.

The little dog had no hope left but to cling to the tire looking for some warmth.

The rescuer reached over to pick up the animal and what he discovered left him broken to pieces.

As soon as he took it away, he began to feed it and shower it with love. He cared for him selflessly until Figo regained his health; and within months, Takis was caring for about 40 animals in the area.

The neighbors were not very enthusiastic about the situation, so this animal rescuer bought a piece of land that became his own shelter.

Meet Figo’s story, from the time he was rescued from an old tire to the time he was helped to be playful and happy:

He currently cares for 350 dogs, 50 cats, 6 goats and 2 sheep that now call Takis shelter home. He runs the shelter alone, with financial help from donations.

One of the many calls Takis received was about Figo, the abandoned dog sleeping in an old tire.

Figo received the best of dinners and would not stop eating.

Figo was malnourished, covered in fleas and had many injuries, but somehow he had managed to maintain a kind and friendly nature despite his suffering.

When Figo was brought to Taquis’ home, he didn’t even know what it was like to be in a clean, cozy, and safe environment.

He never imagined what it felt like to be treated with responsibility, respect and love.

He went straight to the cat litter box and laid down as if he was in the most comfortable bed in the world. But with Takis’ help, Figo soon discovered what a real bed felt like and slept in a deep, peaceful sleep for what seemed like the first time in his life.

The next day, Takis gave Figo real food. The dog devoured everything quickly and seemed like he would never stop eating. Food is Figo’s favorite thing in the world, but he seriously competes with Takis.

Little by little and with perseverance, Figo began to leave behind his life full of misery, uncertainty and sadness. His injuries have healed, he has gained some weight and feels more loving, healthy and agile than ever.

There is still a way to go for this little dog to be 100%, but at the rate he is going, we have no doubt he will be there in no time.

Now, Figo is a playful, loving, loyal dog and can’t stop giving kisses and hugs to his hero.

Figo, despite so much suffering, knew how to thank his best friend with the best of hugs. May his story motivate us to do much more for every needy creature we come across along the way.