Watch this heartwarming reunion! (Video)

For firefighters, saving lives and handling emergency situations is just part of the job, but no matter how big or small the emergency, their heroic actions are always appreciated by the people they help. And sometimes that gratitude comes from a pet, just like the pit bull puppy that Sacramento, Calif., firefighter Mike Thawley rescued from the side of the road. When Mike spotted the pup tied up to a chain link fence, he didn’t hesitate to help. The dog was soaking wet after being abandoned in the pouring rain and looked like she needed medical attention.

There was no one around to claim her — no one making sure she was safe after being left all alone outside in the elements. The firefighter took the dog back to the firehouse and made sure she was clean and dry before he headed to a local animal shelter. He brought her to Front Street Animal Shelter for some much-needed medical attention. The wonderful staff began treating her mange, and she enjoyed being dressed in a warm clothing to protect her skin. The folks at the shelter quickly named the pup “Chunkie,” and although they made her feel better by treating the mange that had affected her coat, she wasn’t a very perky pup. In fact, she seemed downright sad and lonely after Thawley left her at the shelter.

A visit that changed everything!

Chunkie was so happy to be saved from neglect, but she had formed such a strong bond with Mike that she already missed him. But her sadness didn’t last long — Mike came to visit his grateful new friend the next day and their reunion is nothing short of amazing. The reunion was caught on video and it’s not only proof positive that Chunkie appreciated Thawley for saving her life, it appears that the firefighter was really happy to see her as well. But their reunion had an even happier ending than expected. Watch the video, she couldn’t be more excited to be reunited with the man who saved her life!

Thawley was so happy that he talked to his family about fostering the pup until someone could give her a permanent home. Although he intended to just foster Chunkie, a recent update indicates that after the shelter held the pup for a required waiting period — just in case her owners came to claim her — the firefighter decided to do more than just foster the dog.

Chunkie now has a forever home with the man who rescued her. That’s right — instead of just fostering her, Thawley decided to give her a forever home. “I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for pit bulls,” said Mike.

Although Mike’s wife said she hesitated at adopting because they already have two dogs, it didn’t take long to convince her once the couple’s three daughters met the oh-so-sweet Chunkie. Now that’s a happy ending for a dog who definitely deserves a happy life with her new family.

Source: happytoutou.wamiz.com