Found on the side of the road on a blistery hot day, this 10-week-old puppy was trapped hopelessly inside a cardboard box that someone had cruelly closed up.

A good Samaritan freed the puppy from her scorching death chamber after spotting the box and checking inside (and kindly giving the parched pup some water). Then they alerted the police.

When animal-loving Deputy Earl Hanners heard the call come in, he told them to cancel animal control — he would rescue the puppy himself.

When he arrived at the scene, the puppy had not moved, and was lying listlessly next to the box.

Hanners took the dog home, and after consulting a vet, gave her the TLC she needed to regain her health. Now named Bridget, the once-abandoned puppy now enjoys frolicking with Hanners’ eight rescued pugs, as well as the other rescue dogs he fosters.

Whoever abandoned Bridget may never be found — but most importantly, she is safe now.

Thank you, Deputy Hanners, for your compassion.