Video: Rescued Dog Enjoys First Cozy Christmas After Call By ‘Secret Santa’ Freed Him From Chain

For Immediate Release:
December 23, 2024

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

He’ll be home for Christmas! A new video from PETA, released today, shares the story of Copper, a dog who will celebrate his first Christmas safe, warm, and indoors with a loving family after being rescued from neglect, chained up outside and found emaciated, soaked, and plagued with parasites. As the video reveals, for the first time in his life, eight-year-old Copper’s Christmas season has included a sweater-weather stroll through the botanical garden light show, a dog-friendly holiday parade, plenty of healthy treats under the tree—and best of all, a family that loves, respects, and protects him.  

Copper’s recovery and his happy new life are all thanks to one life-changing phone call from an anonymous good Samaritan, who will forever be known as Copper’s Secret Santa. The anonymous tipster alerted the Twin County Humane Society in Galax, Virginia to Copper, who was shivering out in the cold and in urgent need of help. The humane society called PETA, whose fieldworkers rushed to the scene and discovered that Copper was kept tethered unattended outside, likely for months. They called law enforcement, and after Copper’s owner understood that she would face a criminal cruelty-to-animals charge, the neglected pup was signed over to PETA. PETA immediately secured veterinary care and a qualified foster home for Copper before he was quickly adopted by PETA staffers Katherine Sullivan and Daniel Paden ahead of their first holidays as newlyweds.

Copper prior to his rescue. Photo: PETA

Copper in his new home. Photo: PETA

“The weather outside might be frightful, but inside it’s so delightful for Copper at last, all thanks to one caring person who spoke up when they saw an animal in need,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA urges everyone to never be silent and make that lifesaving call as this kind person did, to help ensure that dogs like Copper are given the comfort and joy that they deserve.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.