A NEW LIFE — Catherine and Jason Fabian of Wintersville fostered, then adopted, 3-year-old Frankie, formerly known as Bojangles, a dog who had been abused for years and was rescued by humane agents with the Jefferson County Humane Society. -- Julie Stenger

WINTERSVILLE — Meet Frankie.

You may not recognize his face, but you may recognize his story.

Before his name change, Frankie was referred to as Bojangles, the dog from Dillonvale who spent the first three years of his life living in horrific conditions. When humane agents at the scene found the 15-pound pup, they learned the chain he had been tied to for years had become embedded into his skin — physically becoming a part of the dog.

Bojangles was taken to the Jefferson County Humane Society by Chief Humane Agent Nick Thayer, who recalled of the situation, “It was very sad. It was extremely sad.” Thayer remembered how Bojangles would shake the entire time, consistently going to the bathroom because he was so scared. His trust in humanity was gone. All he knew was a cruel and loveless world that caused him severe and excruciating pain with movement.

Enter Brandi DeNoon-Damewood, development manager at the shelter, whose heart went out to this special canine. She would bring awareness of the case to the community, with residents coming together and holding a snow angel fundraiser for him as a reminder that animal cruelty exists in Jefferson County.

It was because of these postings that Bojangles’ story was told. And people were paying attention. Local residents were reading about this small, helpless dog who had somehow managed to survive torturous pain, day after day, year after year. A dog who somehow overcame the odds … despite his physical and emotional wounds.

Wintersville resident Catherine Fabian, a nurse manager at Trinity Health System, was one of the people to read about Bojangles on Facebook. She and her husband, Capt. Jason Fabian of the Wintersville Police Department, decided they wanted to be the ones to foster this dog. This dog who, for so long, had never known the meaning of the word “love.”

Catherine noted they were looking for a third member to add to their pet family, a new friend for their two puggles at home. And on Christmas Eve, Bojangles was in their living room, opening presents Christmas Day. Perhaps the first he ever received.

But the road was hard, and will continue to be for a while. Catherine reflected how at first, fostering was difficult. The Fabians renamed Bojangles, calling him Frankie — a new name for a new life. While Frankie’s physical wounds are slowly healing, the emotional wounds have formed scars. He is slowly learning what it means to trust somebody.

“He was very scared of everybody and everything,” Catherine explained. “We were taking him for laser treatments twice a week at the humane society’s clinic,” she said, noting the bi-weekly process of cleaning his wounds included the use of towels, dressings and a onesie outfit. Frankie was even on anti-anxiety medications, which he no longer takes.

In the beginning, Catherine had to take on the brunt of the care due to Frankie’s extreme fear of men, DeNoon-Damewood stated.

“Size-wise and personality-wise, he fits right in with our two puggles,” Catherine commented. “He gets wound up at night. Every toy is out of the bin. He just loves playing.” The Fabians noted their dogs’ calm personalities have helped Frankie to adjust, as well.

A call came in January asking the couple if they would be interested in adopting Frankie, to which they asked themselves if they wanted this dog who has severe PTSD to go back to square one with someone else?

The answer was an easy one. Frankie is now, and will forever be, a Fabian. Jason explained Frankie still has a fear of men, and each day, Jason has to regain the dog’s trust. However, each day seems to be getting a little easier. He said the two spend the entire day together and by evening, there is a quiet contentment. The dog will act like “his dog.” However, by morning, Frankie has to learn to trust Jason all over again.

Jason recalled the dog is all right during moments when he is sitting or lying down, sometimes even jumping into his lap. So, Jason will sit and watch television for an hour or two just so his new dog will sit with him and feel safe.

The couple believes this will pass one day … that there will come a time he no longer remembers the suffering he had to endure.

Frankie will only know that the Fabian family loves him. He will only know he can now run and play and be free inside his home and fenced-in yard … collar-free.

“He will never, ever wear a collar again,” the Fabians agreed.

“He has gone to a wonderful home,” Thayer concluded. “You couldn’t ask for better adopters.”

Yes, once in a great while, life really does give you a happy ending.