A dog has found freedom after a year of torment in laboratory tests (18 photos)

We still live in a world where horrible things happen every day. This time it’s about animal testing. Otis was involved in it for a year. Fortunately, the four-legged one was saved. His new owner, Robert, speaks out against animal cruelty and shares his experience.





His work has recently attracted the attention of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The organization has noted Otis’s strength and important mission. Together with Robert, Otis is fighting for the CARGO Act.

Meet Otis, previously known only as test subject 162508



He lived in harsh conditions for a year, but the Beagle Freedom Project saved him





Robert shared how he found the pet: “I found an ad from a shelter online. Otis was looking for a new home. I recently lost my dog, Chai, and my home was perfect for a pet. I thought I could at least temporarily adopt him. Otis had been through a lot, from being a test animal to being in a shelter. Honestly, I was blown away by his majestic beauty. He looked like a king. I thought with my photography skills and his modeling skills, we could do something meaningful."

"When they brought him in, it took me 15 seconds to realize he was mine. I called the Beagle Freedom Project and let them know I was taking him. By the way, Otis is not a beagle, he is a coonhound weighing about 90 pounds."

"I had heard about animal testing, but it wasn't until much later that I realized the full scope of it. As an artist who has always created work that inspires people to be better, I have always wanted to help animals, but I hadn't found the right path until I met Otis. Everything fell into place with him."

When Otis was rescued, his head was full of holes







At age four, Otis finally found his home. He went through several families, but only in one did he meet Robert. This man gave him love



“When I look into his eyes, I feel like I know where he’s been. Knowing that he’s safe and protected now turns tragedy into triumph. He’s become an ambassador who inspires people to do good and choose products that are not tested on animals. One of the most touching and exciting moments was our collaboration with PETA. We told Otis’s story, and it was a real triumph,” Robert admitted.



Today, Otis and Robert live on the California coast, where the pet can finally enjoy life



The man told about Otis's first walk on the beach.

"It was interesting to watch him get used to the beach and understand that he can "spread his wings". He spent the first year of his life in a cold cage, where only suffering awaited him. Now he rolls around in the sand, swims in the water, and runs around in the seaweed, wagging his tail happily. It was beautiful."





As for Robert's life, he shared how Otis has influenced him.

"When I met Otis, everything changed. I stopped ignoring animal cruelty: from eating animals, to lab experiments, to being kept at SeaWorld and elsewhere. It's horrible. I see it every day and have learned to cope with the pain by turning it into productive activity - now I educate people about the need to treat animals with respect."





Otis and Robert have teamed up to turn their friendship into a mission: to bring attention to the cruelty of animals





Always look for the "cruelty-free" rabbit seal on the packaging



Robert hopes Otis' story will help people make an important point



"I want people to care. Because when we care, we act. One of the easiest and most effective ways is to choose household products, cosmetics, shampoos and soaps that are not tested on animals. Today, it is easier than ever to choose kindness over cruelty. If Otis can inspire someone, then this will be the beginning. The beginning of a journey where people will be more attentive to themselves, to the Earth and to other creatures that deserve freedom and a peaceful life."

Brands that test their products on animals: