It’s not every day that a routine job turns into a rescue mission. But recently, one morning in Philadelphia, a good Samaritan working on a property experienced it when they noticed something moving inside a discarded trash bag.

Alarmed, the worker tore open the bag and was stunned to see a white and tan pittie inside. The dog’s body and legs were stiff, it could only move its head. The Good Samaritan gently lifted the dog out of the trash bag, placed it on a nearby piece of cardboard, and covered it with a blanket. Then they called local authorities for help.

When the dog, later named Codi, arrived at the Pennsylvania SPCA that day, veterinarians had many questions about his story.

“What happened to this poor soul?” The Pennsylvania SPCA wrote in a Facebook post about Codi. “Why was he thrown away like trash?”

Veterinarians quickly realized Codi couldn’t stand. They did a lot of testing and made sure Codi had enough food and water. Rescuers stretched Codi and massaged his ailing limbs. Over time, the resilient pittie took the first of many slow and careful steps.

Finally, Codi was ready to start looking for his forever home. The Pennsylvania SPCA has spoken out — telling Codi’s story on social media and promoting him on a local news channel. Before long, Codi caught the attention of his forever family.

It’s been a month since the paralyzed boy was found in a garbage bag. Now, Codi is finally going home.

“The odds seemed against him, but he never gave up,” the Pennsylvania SPCA wrote in a Facebook post about Codi’s adoption. “[L]ast week, it all paid off.”

SPCA staff are excited for Codi. Surely they will never forget this adorable dog who defied adversity.

“His recovery has been quite remarkable,” Gillian Kocher, director of public relations for the Pennsylvania SPCA, told The Dodo. “And even though he’s still a little wobbly, he’s been adopted and is living his best life!”