Mojo, a poor little pit bull, had a tough beginning in life. At just four months old, he was surrendered to an animal shelter under heartbreaking conditions. Despite being just a young puppy, Mojo had already suffered neglect so severe that his tiny body was completely covered in mange. He was in pain, frightened, and unsure of what his future held. But life had something better in store for Mojo—thanks to the compassion of a man named Joey Wagner, his fate took a dramatic and heartwarming turn.
Joey Wagner is the founder of the Baie Ste. Marie Animal Society, a non-profit animal rescue organization located in Clare, Nova Scotia, Canada. Dedicated to helping animals in need, Joey has always been passionate about giving vulnerable creatures a second chance. And when he met Mojo in 2013, he knew this little pit bull needed exactly that.
The day Mojo arrived at the shelter is one Joey will never forget. The puppy’s condition was shocking—his mange had become so severe that Joey later described his body as being “a complete scab.” Mojo was clearly in distress, and Joey immediately recognized that there was no time to waste. He scooped the puppy up and rushed him to the nearest veterinary clinic, hoping it wasn’t too late.
At the vet, Mojo was quickly admitted into intensive care. It was clear to everyone that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but Mojo had something very special on his side—a will to live. Joey vividly remembers the moment Mojo looked up at him with eyes full of pain but also hope. “The look he gave me, I knew that he wanted to live,” Joey told the CBC in an emotional interview. “So, we did everything we could.”
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the veterinary staff and Joey’s unwavering support, Mojo’s long journey to recovery began. The early days were rough, filled with treatments, medications, and careful observation. But slowly, Mojo began to respond. The scabs started to heal. His energy began to return. His spirit, once broken, slowly started to shine through again.
After a week in intensive care, Mojo had turned a major corner. His health had significantly improved, and he was finally stable enough to leave the clinic. But as much as that progress meant, there was still one very important piece of the puzzle missing: Mojo needed a forever home—a place where he would not only be safe but also loved unconditionally.
As the shelter began looking for a suitable family for Mojo, Joey found himself constantly thinking about the brave little dog. He had seen Mojo at his absolute worst and had fought for his life from the very beginning. The bond between them had grown strong in a very short period of time, and Joey couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, Mojo’s journey wasn’t over yet—not without him.
And then came the moment that would melt even the coldest heart.
When Mojo was finally well enough to be adopted, the shelter arranged for him to meet his new owner. As Mojo waited, still unaware of what was about to happen, a familiar face walked through the door. It was Joey.
From the second Mojo saw him, his reaction said everything. The once-neglected puppy, now full of energy and emotion, lit up with joy. He couldn’t stop wagging his tail, licking Joey’s face, and burying his head in his rescuer’s arms. The love and gratitude Mojo showed in that moment was overwhelming. It was clear that he remembered everything Joey had done for him. He hadn’t forgotten the man who had saved his life.
That reunion between Mojo and Joey was not just touching—it was unforgettable. The scene, captured on video, quickly went viral online. Viewers around the world were brought to tears watching Mojo smother Joey in kisses and cuddles. It was the kind of reunion that reminds us all of the power of compassion and the deep bond between humans and animals.
From that day forward, Mojo officially became part of Joey’s family. No longer a sick, abandoned puppy, Mojo now lives a happy, healthy life surrounded by love and care. He has a warm bed to sleep in, nutritious food to eat, and someone who would do anything for him. Every day is filled with new adventures, playful moments, and the simple joy of being cherished.
Joey often shares updates about Mojo, showing just how far he’s come since those difficult early days. Mojo’s fur has grown back beautifully, and his eyes now sparkle with happiness. He loves to run, play, and spend time cuddled up with Joey. Their bond is unbreakable—founded in pain, strengthened by love, and marked by a second chance neither of them will ever take for granted.
Stories like Mojo’s remind us that even when life starts out cruel and unfair, kindness can change everything. It takes just one person to make a difference. For Mojo, that person was Joey Wagner—a man who saw a hurting little puppy and refused to walk away. Instead, he offered love, hope, and a future. And in return, he gained a loyal companion whose gratitude knows no bounds.
Mojo’s journey from suffering to safety is a story of resilience, compassion, and the incredible healing power of love. It’s a powerful reminder that rescue doesn’t just save lives—it transforms them. Mojo’s story has touched the hearts of countless people around the world, and it continues to inspire others to open their hearts to animals in need.
If you’ve ever doubted the impact one person can have, let Mojo and Joey’s story be the proof. Their bond is more than heartwarming—it’s life-changing.
Please take a moment to share this beautiful story with friends, family, or anyone who loves animals. You never know who might be inspired to take action and become someone else’s hero—just like Joey was for Mojo.