When the Detroit family of Boo the pit bull packed up their belongings to relocate, they left all their unwanted items on the corner — including Boo. 

On the corner, Boo stayed on a mattress waiting for his owners return. His owners had been gone for a month before someone alerted Mike Diesel at the Detroit Youth & Dog Rescue. Diesel’s rescue organization rescues dogs, provides meals to the homeless and mentors Detroit’s youth. 

When Diesel first found Boo, it took a while for the dog to trust the new human. Eventually, after providing meals and simple companionship, Boo let down his guard.

Diesel spent more than 15 hours at Boo’s side.

"Getting to know my voice, “ Diesel told Newschannel 5 regarding what they did in that time. “Getting him to know that I wouldn't hurt him. Getting him to know he can trust humans again."

Once Boo trusted Diesel enough, Diesel was able to take him to the vet for a screening. Boo’s checkup revealed that he had stage two heartworms.

Lucky for Boo, photos of him sleeping on the mattress went viral and his story was receiving national attention. Eventually, people started sending in donations for Boo, which will be used to cover the cost of his treatments.

Diesel said that Boo will be placed with a foster family until the rescue organization can find him a new permanent home.