Dog Forced to Chew Off Foot to Escape Trap Is Still Looking for a Home Over a Year After His Recovery 

Axel has started a happier chapter in his life, and now he’s just looking for someone to share it with.

The dog is being cared for by Ollie’s Angels Animal Rescue, and has been there since December 2023. Axel ended up at this foster-based rescue in Long Island, New York, after a journey full of “incredible resilience and heartbreaking hardship,” says Ollie’s founder, Melissa Bielawski.

Before coming to Ollie’s, Axel was a stray in South Carolina and got caught in a trap.

“After being caught in a trap, he chewed off the end of his own foot to free himself. He was then taken to a South Carolina high-kill shelter, where his injuries were so bad that he was placed on the immediate euthanasia list,” Bielawski told PEOPLE.

Luckily, before euthanizing Axel, the South Carolina shelter reached out to Ollie’s to see if they could help.

“When the shelter contacted us, we saw the sweetness in his eyes and knew he didn’t deserve to die. Even though we knew he would need expensive medical care, Axel had been brave enough to save himself from the trap, so we decided to give him the chance he deserved,” Bielawski added.

Axel arrived at Ollie’s with little history, but the rescue believes he had a lonely early life.

“His ears were cropped, he was very thin, and heartworm positive, which is fatal if untreated. He probably had to scavenge just to survive. Eventually, his foot got caught in a trap, whether by accident or on purpose, which led him to the high-kill shelter,” Bielawski explained.

Despite health problems and a life without love, Axel was ready to make friends when he arrived.

“From day one, he loved snuggles and kisses and was happy with anyone willing to give them, even when his leg hurt,” Bielawski shared.

Ollie’s gave Axel the medical care he needed, including heartworm treatment and surgery to amputate part of his injured leg.

“While healing from the amputation, he tore the ACL in his only back leg, probably from extra strain. He had ACL surgery and then physical therapy, including hydrotherapy,” Bielawski said.

Through all of this, Axel was brave, patient, and trusting, always showing gratitude for being rescued and loved.

He has transformed from a “sick, weak, and very thin dog” into an energetic and confident pup who navigates the world using his donated wheelchair.

“He enjoys the freedom his mobility gives him! Axel is calm, gentle, and loving. He just wants to be treated with kindness. He’s especially gentle with small puppies, caring for them like his own,” Bielawski said.

Ollie’s staff is surprised that Axel hasn’t found a permanent home, even after a year.

“People might see Axel listed for a long time and think there’s something wrong, or that he had failed adoptions. The sad truth is he hasn’t received a single application,” Bielawski said. “Being a tripod comes with challenges, like not climbing full stairs and needing help in cars. Axel doesn’t mind and enjoys resting on the first floor and extra attention when boosted into a car.”

Ollie’s hopes Axel’s perfect adopter is out there.

“He needs someone strong enough to lift him in and out of the car, or creative enough to build a step. He needs minimal walking, and occasional vet visits or outings are fine. Axel sleeps well on his own, so he doesn’t need to share the bed. He doesn’t do well with cats or big dogs, so he needs to be the only dog or with smaller companions,” Bielawski explained.

What matters most is that Axel finds a home where he is truly loved because he “deserves only the very best.”

Whoever adopts him will gain “a joyful, loving soul full of gratitude.”

“We hope people understand that rescue dogs are not broken. They’ve been through hardships and have been let down by humans. Rescue dogs are grateful for being saved because they truly understand what it means,” Bielawski added.