“My dog, Queenie, was bitten twice by a rattlesnake last year. She almost did not make it. Through the grace of God and help from my ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan, she is still with me and still my one true love. Thank you ASPCA Pet Health Insurance!"

—Kara C., Santa Fe, N.M.

 Photo Friday is a weekly column that showcases photos we receive from loving ASPCA Pet Health Insurance customers of their pets. If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!

A badly hurt dog who returned home weeks after a tornado left the family’s house in ruins has amazed animal rescuers.

Mason, a 1-year-old Terrier, was sucked out of his pet parents’ garage by a powerful storm on April 27 near Birmingham, Ala. Initial searches turned up nothing, and his pet parents feared the worst. But when the family returned to sift through more rubble nearly three weeks after the twister, they spotted their beloved Terrier sitting on the front porch.

Though Mason’s tail was wagging, he was not in good shape.

“He was emaciated and his two front legs were literally flopping below the elbows,” said Phil Doster, adoption and rescue coordinator at Birmingham-Jefferson County Animal Control. “Mason literally had to crawl on his elbows to get back. The little guy had no indication of pain, remarkably. He was just happy to be home.”

Veterinarians at Vulcan Park Animal Care in Birmingham agreed to treat Mason for free, and he is recovering well, according to The (Toronto) Star.

“He’s got two metal plates and several pins in his legs, but he’s doing great,” Veterinary Technician Chuck Eagar told The Star. “He’s eating and drinking well. He’s got a lot of heart and a great personality.”

For the dog’s pet parents, Mason’s journey is a very personal triumph. The surgeon who operated on Mason told ABC News Mason’s pet dad is overwhelmed by the scrappy dog’s survival.

“He broke down in tears when he found out” Mason would be OK, Dr. Bill Lamb said.

Learn how you can help the ASPCA rescue pets affected by this spring’s storms.