A once-neglected dog is now thriving in a loving home, thanks to the compassion of a volunteer and the efforts of local authorities.

Tater Tot, affectionately called "Tate," is 1 ½ years old, and now full of life. But just a few months ago, his future looked grim.

“His health is fantastic, his coat is gorgeous,” says Lisa, Tate’s new owner. “I actually thought he was brown when they brought him in.”

Covered in dirt and severely malnourished, Tate was found struggling to survive. Lisa, who volunteers at the Babylon Animal Shelter, was heartbroken when she first saw him.

“It was so sad,” she recalls. “He had big eyes and just looked at me, and he was so, so thin.”

Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, described the dog’s condition as shocking: “It was nothing left, just skin and bones.”

Tate was discovered in July on South 28th Street in Wyandanch, nearly emaciated. Authorities say he had been eating out of the garbage in front of the home.

Jasmine Petro, of Wyandanch, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and resisting arrest. Investigators say she failed to provide the pit-bull-type dog with food and water.

“The dog was being neglected and abused without any food and water,” said Detective Michael Cusumano, of the Suffolk County SPCA.

Suffering from chronic malnutrition, Tate was taken in, treated by a veterinarian and eventually adopted by Lisa. Now, he’s on a special diet and getting plenty of love.

“Ground chicken or turkey, rice, carrots, sweet potato,” Lisa shares about his daily meals.

Just under three months since his rescue, Tate has gained weight and found comfort.

“He's a couch potato,” Lisa laughs. “Not a big potato, just a Tater Tot.”

Jasmine Petro was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 8.