A sweet dog named Mara who survived the horrific mistreatment of being beaten and hung has found a new life as a therapy animal for children with special needs.

Last summer, police witnessed a man pick up Mara and slam her onto a car and onto the ground. The man then lifted Mara up by a leash and strung her over monkey bars at the playground. When the officers rescued Mara, she was panting and bleeding from her back paws, and her back nails had been ripped out. She also had previous scarring.

Mara’s abuser has since been found guilty of cruelty to animals and was sentenced to five years in jail, according to news reports.

Meanwhile, now Mara is safe, loved, and protected in her new life, according to the police department.

Mara

Mara (Keller Police Department)

We’re so glad that this dog now has the chance to be cared for and nurtured, as she deserves! Here’s another heartwarming story about a beloved dog named Tonka who helped cheer up nursing home residents during COVID-19.

VIDEO: This Therapy Dog Is Cheering Up Nursing Home Residents During Troubling Times