Andy Mathis has been helping Graycie the pit bull recover after she was found injured on the side of a dirt road

When you can’t feed ’em, join ’em.

That’s the adage veterinarian Andy Mathis followed. According to USA Today, a emaciated and neglected pit bull a arrived at Granite Hills Animal Care, in Elberton, Georgia, a year ago. She was brought in by a good Samaritan who found the pup struggling on the side of a dirt road.

Get push notifications with news, features and more.

Last year, Mathis, a vet at Granite Hills, had been treating the pit bull, who is named Graycie, and helping her adjust to a new life filled with care and affection. One of the biggest struggles for Graycie back then was eating; Mathis and the rest of Granite Hills staff were having trouble getting skittish dog on a normal meal schedule.

Mathis decided to try something different when Graycie showed hesitancy about eating her breakfast one day. The vet put his own breakfast in a dog bowl and climbed into the cage with the cowering pup. For the first few moments, Mathis just ate his food while Graycie adjusted to this new human roommate. Then, he started to feed her from his hand, and soon, feeling safe and content with her current company, Gracyie started eagerly noshing on her own meal.

This kind act was an important turning point for Graycie. Mathis originally thought the pit bull wouldn’t survive at just 30 pounds, but now Graycie has grown into a strong and courageous canine.

After treating Graycie and helping her recover, Granite Hills Animal Care host a fancy dinner for her, complete with table service and formal attire, to show how far the dog has come in a year. She went from being scared and nervous, needing a human to eat with her, to a loving, playful pup who has no problems joining humans at the table.