On August 23 in York County, Pennsylvania, a horrific sight stopped Officer Matthew Tamanosky in his tracks.
A German Shepherd puppy, bleeding and unconscious, was lying helplessly on the roadside.
He had been beaten nearly to death, with multiple fractures and signs of starvation. It was a scene that shook the officer deeply.
The puppy was rushed to Mason Dixon Animal Emergency Hospital, where veterinarians fought to keep him alive.
Though his injuries were grave, he pulled through. The veterinary team, moved by his strength and will to survive, gave him a name full of meaning: Chance.
“Of course, when we saw and heard what was going on, we were all very heartbroken,” said vet tech Lindsay Copenhaver.
“We all went into his cage and tried to give him as much love as we could.”
As the police investigated the case—though the person responsible was never found—Chance began his slow recovery.
He was transferred to the York County SPCA, where the team focused on helping him gain weight, heal, and begin rehabilitation.
Word of Chance’s survival spread quickly, and the community rallied behind him. Hundreds of adoption applications poured in.
But one name stood out from the rest: Officer Matthew Tamanosky—the man who had saved Chance that day on the road.
“He was the one who got Chance out of that situation,” said SPCA director Steven Martinez.
“He was the first one on the scene, so clearly Chance should be going home with him.”
And so he did. Chance now lives with Officer Tamanosky and is finally getting the life he deserves.
He’s playful, joyful, and growing stronger each day. “He loves his toys, he loves to play,” Martinez shared.
“He’s just a normal 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy now.”
Tamanosky couldn’t be happier. “We’re definitely going to give him the life he deserves—lots of treats, make him a good boy, a good part of the Tamanosky family.”
Chance’s story is proof that even in the worst circumstances, kindness can change everything.
From tragedy to a new beginning, he’s not just surviving—he’s thriving. And he’s exactly where he belongs.
