This Alabama Dog Was Found Injured Outside a Gas Station — Now He’s Ready for Adoption

When a stray dog — now named Marshall — appeared outside a gas station in Jacksonville, Alabama, it was clear he needed help.

The roughly 60-pound, two-year-old pup was limping and had apparently been hanging around the gas station for days. Fortunately, a kennel technician from All the Dogs, a rescue in Alabaster, Alabama, spotted him and didn’t hesitate to help.

A veterinary exam would soon reveal that Marshall’s injury was much more serious than anyone initially realized. The good news? Several months later, he’s healthy, happy, and ready to find a permanent home.

Keep reading to learn how Marshall went from an injured stray to the goofy, cuddly pup he is today. He just might be the new best friend you’ve been looking for.

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A chance encounter changed Marshall’s life

Marshall, a black-and-white, mixed-breed dog, was found outside a gas station where he appeared to be waiting for someone. The kennel technician who spotted him went inside to ask if he belonged to anyone. A woman there said Marshall had been hanging around the area for several days.

The kennel technician began calling around for help. She contacted animal control and the local shelter, but after being referred back and forth between the two, she ultimately decided to take matters into her own hands and foster him herself.

Getting vital medical treatment 

There was one thing she knew couldn’t wait: Marshall was noticeably limping on one of his front legs, so she took him to the vet to find out what was wrong.

X-rays revealed something no one expected. Small metal pellets — the type fired from a shotgun — were embedded throughout Marshall’s leg, causing significant infection and discomfort. His rescuers believe he may have also been shot near his ear.

No one knows exactly what Marshall endured before he appeared outside that gas station, but thankfully, he was finally in safe hands.

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From injured stray to healthy, happy pup

Marshall spent a couple of months recovering in his rescuer’s apartment. Eventually, however, housing restrictions made it impossible for her to continue fostering him, and Marshall had to move into boarding, where he’s now been for several months.

While boarding has kept Marshall safe, his rescuers say the environment is taking a toll on him. They’re eager to get him out and into either a foster home or, ideally, a permanent home. 

What makes Marshall such a catch 

This resilient pup has quite the resume for potential adopters. He’s house-trained, walks politely on a leash, and rides well in the car. His rescuer describes him as incredibly smart, goofy, and “60 pounds of love.

He’s moderately active, meaning he’s happy to go on walks and accompany you on outings, but he also loves spending an afternoon or evening in couch potato mode, especially if cuddles are involved.

Marshall also has a special soft spot for kids. He’s described as very kid-friendly and has done particularly well with children with special needs.

Marshall has experience around other animals, too. He’s done well with dogs of various sizes, particularly female dogs, and would likely enjoy having a canine companion in his new home. However, a meet-and-greet with any resident dogs will be required to make sure the pups are compatible.

He also previously lived with a cat in his foster home. While Marshall occasionally chased his feline foster sibling, his foster mom reported that he never tried to hurt the cat and seemed more interested in playing. With a slow, careful introduction, he may be able to live with a cat.

Could you be the one to give this wonderful pup a home? 

With life on the streets and his medical troubles behind him, all Marshall needs now is someone to choose him.

He’s currently available for adoption through All the Dogs in Alabaster, Alabama. For now, he’s staying in boarding due to a lack of available foster homes, and everyone wants nothing more than to see this sweet boy somewhere he can settle in and feel at home. 

Bonus? Marshall’s adoption fee has been fully sponsored, so there’s no adoption fee for his future person or family.

To ask about adopting this incredible dog, visit his adoption profile. 

Still searching for your new best friend?

If Marshall has already found his home by the time you’re reading this, there are many other wonderful dogs waiting at All the Dogs and other shelters and rescues across the country.

You can browse adoptable pets through Adopt a Pet and sign up for New Pet Alerts to get notified when adoptable dogs who match your preferences become available.