A dog that was found tied to the back of a rescue van earlier this year has finally been adopted by a loving family.

Samuel was discovered by a field officer with the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The officer, Jamie, found the pup tied up with food and water nearby, along with a note that pleaded for the SPCA to care for him.

Now, Samuel has found his happy ending after becoming a firm favorite at SPCA New Zealand. He has been adopted by a family that recently suffered the loss of its nearly 13-year-old dog.

In a statement posted on the SPCA New Zealand Facebook page, his new owner said: "I saw that first photo of him tied to the back of the van, he must've been so frightened. He's such a good boy...he comes out to the cafe every day where he gets patted and admired. So good for his ego! He loves helping me in the garden, and anywhere I go he likes to be with me."

The emotional message continued: "I was so bereft after losing my nearly 13-year-old boy in March that I never thought I'd have another dog. So thank you to all the people at the SPCA who looked after Samuel, and helped turn him into such a beautiful boy."

In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent compared with 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system, compared with the same time the year before.

Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent compared with 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs and behavior rehabilitation.

Now in his new home with dog sister Maddie, Samuel has a new life filled with love, adventure and joy. Whether he's enjoying pats at the café or helping his owner in the garden, he is thriving.

After SPCA New Zealand shared the good news about Samuel's new life, viewers who had heard his story were thrilled by the update.

"Yay!!! Oh wonderful," said Twy Mel. "I hope those who had to give him up can also quietly see this and rest in the knowledge that the wee boy they loved enough to gently and quietly handover is safe and happy."

Kiri Smith wrote: "Aww Samuel, it looks like you are living your best life."

Sonia Whittaker said: "Aw that's just fabulous!! Such a wonderful outcome for this dear boy."

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