Dwayne “The Rock” doesn’t get his name from bulging muscles, but from his unshakable strength and boundless kindness.

Today, he’s safe at the Helen Woodward Animal Center, surrounded by care and affection. But his past was nothing short of a nightmare. For years in Tijuana, his former owner bound his mouth shut with a crude wire muzzle, beating him repeatedly. The tight wire deformed his face, leaving him unable to open his mouth properly.

When that owner was jailed for unrelated charges, Dwayne was left to survive on the streets — where cruelty continued. Locals poured scalding water on him because of his appearance, and he was attacked by other dogs. His body bears the marks of this suffering, but his spirit? Unbroken.

“Despite these crimes, this gentle canine has nothing but love to offer each person he meets — lowering his head, offering a lick, and gently pressing his crippled body against them,” the center shared.

Rescued at Last

Dwayne’s journey to safety began when an independent rescue saved him and reached out to Dr. Patricia Carter, chief veterinarian at Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Companion Animal Hospital. The rescue had raised funds to treat his head wounds and cover his neuter surgery, but Dwayne’s long-term recovery needed more support.

The moment Dr. Carter met him, she knew he deserved every chance.

“You can’t look at this dog and not want to do everything in your power to help him,” she said. “I knew our president would say yes.”

Healing a Lifetime of Injuries

Dwayne’s list of injuries is long. His right front leg had been kicked out of its socket so many times that his elbow now jutted at a painful angle. His misshapen muzzle made breathing difficult and drinking nearly impossible.

The center is now working tirelessly to repair the damage. He’s been placed with a foster family devoted to surrounding him with love and patience while he heals. A fundraising page has been set up to cover his medical care, and once his recovery is complete, he’ll be adopted into a forever home.

A Spirit That Refuses to Break

“It’s unbelievable,” said Mike Arms, President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “This beautiful dog endured the worst of human cruelty and neglect — and still, he never turned against mankind. Helping animals like this is at the heart of what we do, and we’ll do everything to care for and protect him.”

For Dwayne, the road ahead is long, but for the first time, he’s walking it with love, safety, and a future worth looking forward to.