Two young cousins, Tyler and Eugene, were walking through an overgrown lot in Flint, MI when they saw an old sign laying in their path. Tyler kicked up the sign and saw a hole in the ground. Curious, he looked inside — and saw a pair of eyes peering up at him. Six feet below ground inside a storm drain, covered with plywood, was a starving pit bull who’d been dumped there and left for dead.

But just when you’re beginning to lose hope in humanity, along comes those people who restore your faith. Without hesitation, Tyler and Eugene knew they had to do whatever it took to get this dog out. They called Tyler’s dad for help, then lowered food down into the hole while waiting for a local animal rescue group called Street Hearts. Finally, they maneuvered a rope around the dog’s body and pulled him up to safety.

Since the opening of the hole is only about 24 inches wide, it’s safe to say Mars was deliberately put in the drain. He was suffering severe heart worm infestation and starvation. “I thought he was going to be angry or try and bite people,” Tyler said. But instead of showing any aggression, the dog was simply happy, hungry, and grateful. The boys named him Mars.

Terissa Kerr saw Mars’ incredible story on social media and knew she had to help. She ended up taking Mars home with her to become his foster mom. She’s found the pit bull to be lovable, kissable, and sweet. She’s helping him to rehabilitate and recover, as Mars continues to get healthier every day.

If the two boys hadn’t come to his rescue, Mars probably wouldn’t be alive today. Watch this miracle pup’s journey below, and please SHARE it with your friends on Facebook!

Tyler and Eugene were walking through an overgrown lot in Flint, MI when they saw an old sign laying in their path. Tyler kicked up the sign to reveal a mysterious hole in the ground.

Tyler peeked inside the hole and was completely shocked by what he saw.

Inside the hole, six feet below ground, was a storm drain covered with plywood and debris. But under all that?