A dog who suffered severe burns on Halloween is now in the care of his new family after being released from the hospital.
Luke, a shepherd mix, was hospitalized for over a month as doctors tended to infections and burns that covered nearly 30% of his body. The pup was set on fire by his former owners in South Los Angeles.
Loretta Gilmore, Luke’s new owner, said she applied for his adoption right away as she was following his recovery on social media
When she saw him in person after driving from La Quinta to Los Angeles for two hours, Gilmore said she knew it was a match meant to be.
“He knew when we walked in that we were there for him,” said Gilmore, who owns several other dogs. “He ran right to us, jumped up on me, like, ‘Oh, you’re here, finally.’”
Gilmore said Luke’s “puppy energy” was apparent the first time he woke up in his new home. She said Luke instantly befriended her other dogs, and their bonds appear to become tighter.
Luke, who’s still on antibiotics, will have to limit his physical activity while the burns under his arm and in his groin area continue to heal, Gilmore said. The owner also believes her new dog may be suffering from PTSD.
“The nights are really hard for him,” Gilmore said. “The first night, it was nightmares all night.”
Gilmore said Luke could be on his medication for weeks or even months, but she will not be sure how long until they see his new vet next Tuesday.