When Duffy was discovered in a dark, cave-like room, he could scarcely wag his tail.

His fur was severely matted. His backside, encrusted with feces. His legs too weak to stand on.

Humane Society of the United States / YouTube

"Oh god," Ashley Mauceri of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) could be heard murmuring in a video posted to YouTube.

But the 8-year-old Great Pyrenees mix did manage to make one hopeful gesture to the woman who rescued him.

He laid his paw on her hand.


Humane Society of the United States / YouTube

Of course, Duffy wasn't alone. In all, 46 dogs were rescued from a property in Warm Springs, Arkansas. The dogs were all in varying states of sad neglect, some even tied outside in cold so brutal that icicles had formed in their fur.

Last September, the property owner, Sandra Croney, was convicted of six counts of animal cruelty.

It was her second conviction.

"Arkansas is one of the most problematic puppy mill states in the country since there are no state laws to protect dogs in commercial breeding facilities," Melanie Kahn of the HSUS Puppy Mills Campaign stated in a press release.

As for Duffy, he made the most of his new leash on life.

He learned to walk again.

He learned to love.

Humane Society of the United States / YouTube

He found a real home.

Humane Society of the United States / YouTube

And finally, he was reunited with the woman who rescued him.

Among the first things Duffy did?

He laid his paw on her hand.


Humane Society of the United States / YouTube

Want to see just how much love Duffy is getting in his new life? Have a look at this glorious update from HSUS.

If you would like to help the Humane Society of the United States in its mission to end puppy mills, consider making a donation.