AVONDALE ESTATES, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
A puppy left for dead, stuffed inside an old oil drum, has a new lease on life thanks to a passer-by walking along the Beltline who heard his cries and whimpers.
A rescue group nursed him back to health, and the pooch named Peyton Manning is looking for a forever-home.
The puppy was rushed to LifeLine Animal Project in Avondale Estates. He was covered in garbage and thick tar, but now the 4-month-old shepherd mix is healthy and happy.
"We figured, you know what? Not only is this a lucky dog and not only is this a talented dog, but he's a champ," said Therra Gwyn with LifeLine. "We call Peyton our trash to treasure dog, but for some circumstances that could have just as easily not have happened and he could have ended up dead."
Last month, a wild cat trapper walking along the Atlanta Beltline stumbled on an oil drum making strange noises. But it turns out those noises were from little Peyton.
He was scooped up and taken to the no-kill animal shelter in Avondale Estates where he was washed up, neutered and updated on all his vaccinations.
"It took three baths from our medical director and his staff to get all the gunk out of his skin," said Gwyn.
And now the little puppy with big paws should live a long life and grow to about 50 pounds thanks to LifeLine.
"This is a goofy, happy, crazy, little, energetic, intelligent, sweet fur baby. It's impossible not to smile around Peyton because he's so goofy, he's so good," said Gwyn.
If you want to help out, LifeLine is always looking for volunteers and donations, and Peyton will be available for adoption in the coming weeks.
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