We are judged by how we treat those in need. So when workers arrived to pick up the garbage in a North Carolina neighborhood, they were in shock when they saw what had been thrown out with the trash. Once they assessed the situation, they sprang into action. After all, they couldn’t leave the poor dog they had found abandoned.

North Carolina sanitation workers said they couldn’t believe it when they found Moe-Moe, a 4-year-old American bulldog mix, in an animal crate. The crate had been discarded next to several piles of trash for pick-up. Worried for the dog’s safety, the workers called animal control for help.

Moe-Moe on the day his previous owners threw him out with the trash. Photo courtesy of Hoke County Animal Shelter

“Moe-Moe was literally put out with the trash,” the Hoke County Animal Shelter in Raeford, N.C., posted on Facebook about the dog’s abandonment. The shelter had taken the dog from the kind sanitation employees.

Thankfully, the guys that pick up the trash called Animal Control and were kind enough to give him some water with ice while they waited,” the shelter said.

Moe-Moe’s post quickly garnered media attention. The shelter had posted several pictures of the sad pup, staring out of his carrier, surrounded by bags of trash, an old scooter and a bin with his chew toy discarded on top. “… I can’t imagine what he’s feeling right now,” the organization said, adding that the pup was “such a sweetheart.” They said that he was house-trained and “great” with kids and other dogs.

Moe-Moe’s heart-wrenching story went viral on Facebook, quickly earning him love and a new family. Five days later, Moe-Moe was living a real rags-to-riches tale. “I know many of you were worried about Moe-Moe. The sweetest boy who was put out with the trash,” the animal shelter posted again on Facebook.

We’re happy to announce that he got a wonderful home today.”

Photos showed the happy dog with his new mom.

“He’s already enjoying his big beautiful backyard and his new home,” the shelter said. Facebook commenters couldn’t contain their joy for the now-happy dog. “I bawled my eyes out when I saw this original post and now I’m crying happy tears,” one person wrote. “I love this so much,” another person commented. “He deserves the best!” Watch below for Moe-Moe’s incredible story.

Sources: People | Miami Herald