NUTLEY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — It’s a new lease on life and new home for Daniel.

The beagle mix that was dubbed the “miracle dog” after surviving a gas chamber at a dog pound in Alabama has now been adopted by a family in Nutley.

On Oct. 3, Daniel was put into a gas chamber in Florence, Alabama with 17 other stray dogs. Then, carbon monoxide was pumped into the chamber.

But when officials returned later and opened the door, Daniel walked out wagging his tail.

“He was sick, but he was alive,” said Linda Schiller, president of Eleventh Hour Rescue of Rockaway New Jersey.

LISTEN: WCBS 880’s Steve Scott Interviews Joe Dwyer, Daniel’s New Owner https://newyork.cbslocal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14578484/2011/11/miracle-dog-interview.mp3

The rescue group heard Daniel’s story and flew him to New Jersey where he has been recovering.

Joe Dwyer and his family adopted Daniel after hearing his incredible story.

“It’s nothing short of a miracle,” Dwyer told 1010 WINS. “Whatever higher power one believes in, God has chosen him to live.”

Dwyer says Daniel’s story will help spread the word about animals in similar situations who have been rescued from kill shelters and are now looking for new, loving homes.

He says Daniel has become a great addition to their family.

“Daniel takes it to another level. He just has an incredibly beautiful disposition that just points him out,” he said. “He’s amazing.”

No one knows exactly how Daniel survived the gas chamber, but Dr. Elizabeth Boggier of Mountainview Veterinary Hospital said it’s possible the pup found an air pocket in the chamber where he was able to sit and stay alive until the door reopened.

Eleventh Hour Rescue is dedicated to saving pooches from death row in high-kill shelters.

For more information about the rescue group, click here.

Please share your thoughts below…