When the team at Animal Aid Unlimited in India got the call, the situation was dire. A donkey had been savagely beaten over and over with a lead pipe to his head and body.

Bloody and shaken, the donkey was barely able to move. He had more than 20 deep wounds from the beating, and suffered a ruptured eye. The team worked to heal his injuries, and alerted the police (who thankfully filed criminal charges).

The donkey — now named Veeru (Hindi for “brave”) — is doing much better these days. He learned to trust humans again, and now enjoys cuddling with his caretakers and relaxing with the other animals at the rescue.

Thank you, rescuers, for giving Veeru a second chance.