Our story begins with its happy ending, and then we will share with you what preceded that happy ending.

Last Christmas, Copper, an 8-year-old beagle, spent the holiday season with his new human companions, Daniel Paden and Katherine Sullivan.

He was happy, healthy and warm in his loving new home.

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But before then:

He was rescued when a Good Samaritan called the Humane Society in Galax, Virginia after seeing Copper in deplorable conditions.

This skeletal little Beagle was chained to a wall, without shelter in frigid, wet weather, with no food or water and plagued with parasites.

Photo: wtkr.com

The Humane Society believed Copper had likely been chained and ignored for months.

The Humane Society called PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals). PETA called the police who threatened to charge its owner with animal cruelty.

Rather than face charges, the owner gave Copper to PETA who rushed him to a veterinary clinic for emergency care.

Subsequently, with medical care and being well fed, loved and nurtured, and making new doggy friends, he recovered.

Later, PETA staffers Daniel and Katherine welcomed him into their home.

Photo: people.com

"We're so happy to have Copper joining our family, especially at Christmas," Daniel said in the PETA video.

Added Katherine, "He's part of the family and we just can't wait to snuggle, and go on road trips, and we're just really looking forward to a wonderful, cozy, safe, loving future with him."

Editor's Note: To learn more people.com/beagle-spending-first-christmas-with-new-family-after-being-rescued-exclusive-8764387 and youtube.com/watch?v=9KOyj3E4rdg.

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