A dog named Buddy survived one of the cruelest attacks imaginable—but his recovery is nothing short of miraculous.

In April 2021, Buddy was found in Mississippi with his face severely burned and an extension cord wrapped around his neck after being set on fire.

He was described as a gentle, carefree dog who was never a threat to anyone.

Veterinarians at Mississippi State University treated Buddy with bandages, skin grafts, and constant care. Despite his horrific injuries, he continued fighting.

Then came the breakthrough.

After more than three months with his eyes covered, Buddy’s bandages were finally removed without heavy sedation.

And he could still see.

His rescuers said his personality immediately began to return. He became happy and playful again, walking through the hospital with his favorite ball in his mouth.

Buddy still needs special care, including protection from the sun and treatment for his sensitive skin and eyes.

But after everything he survived, Buddy is finally getting his life back.

He didn’t deserve what happened to him—but he deserved every chance to heal. ❤️🐶

It’s truly shocking how cruel some people can be to dogs. These innocent animals too often endure senseless pain and suffering.

That was the case for one dog, who was the victim of a horrible attack in which his face was severely burned. But thankfully, he has since been making. a miraculous recovery, thanks to some kind vets.

In April 2021, the Tunica Humane Society reported that a dog named Buddy, described as a “happy and carefree dog” who was “never a threat to anyone,” was set on fire. He was found with his face completely scorched and charred black, with an extension cord wrapped around his neck.

According to WTVA, a child later confessed to setting Buddy on fire, but because he is younger than 12 he can’t be prosecuted.

Buddy was put in the care of Tunica Humane Society, in Mississippi, and received medical treatments from the Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In their care, Buddy began a slow but hopeful road to recovery.

“Buddy’s vital signs are good but, as with any burn patient, this is very much the bottom of a tall mountain to be climbed,” said Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, associate professor and veterinary surgeon, told WTVA.

“We are keeping him comfortable, changing his bandages, and managing any problems as they arise.”

Thankfully, despite the shocking injury, Buddy doesn’t appear to have lost his eyesight. Tunica Humane Society says that doctors believed his eyes are still intact. Damage to his eye lids will be fixed surgically, and he will likely have some vision when he is healed.

Buddy still had to wore bandages wrapped around his whole upper body. But through it all, he’s kept a good spirit.

“He continues to move forward daily,” the Humane Society wrote on Facebook. “Never once disappointing his doctors. Everyone concerned has been so pleased with the results of his skin grafts. Burn wounds are a very slow process but Buddy is excelling in his healing.”

“During his bandage change today, he showed remarkable improvement in the appearance of his face. While Buddy continues to heal, he is learning some basic commands.”

“This sweet, friendly dog didn’t deserve what happened to him,” they wrote on Facebook. “He wasn’t a threat to anyone. It was extremely cruel and calculated.”

“Hope for Buddy that his horrific injuries weren’t in vain. That somehow, some good will come from this tragedy. That change will come and Justice will be served in cases like Buddy’s.”

Since Buddy’s story went viral a few years ago, he has continued to make strides and he got the best of care from vets at Mississippi State.

He underwent skin grafts to heal his burns, and required fewer and fewer bandages. Slowly, he returned to his old self.

“Now that his ears are loose from the bandages, he is much happier and more playful. I am sure he is feeling so much joy as he slowly gets his life back to normal,” Tunica Humane Society reported last month.

And on August 7, the rescue announced a “huge turning point” in Buddy’s recovery.

For the first time Buddy’s bandages, which have completely covered his eyes since the attack, were removed without him being heavily sedated — which meant that for the first time in over three months, Buddy was actually able to see.

“His eyes were actually open and he was very aware,” the Humane Society wrote. “In answer to your thousands and thousands of prayers, YES, Buddy can still see.”

“Buddy’s last real memory of vision was in the final horrific moments just before his face was set on fire by a child. In the blink of an eye, this dog’s whole life changed.”

Finally being able to see was a huge step towards returning to normalcy for this poor pup, and his carers say that his personality has begun to shine again.

“Buddy’s whole personality has changed since seeing the light of day,” Sandy Williams, director of the Tunica Humane Society, told WREG.

“He is happy and playful and walking the halls of the hospital with a great big ball in his mouth. He loves balls. He carries them around so everyone can see.”

A video posted by the rescue shows Buddy playing fetch: