Danny, a once shy and emaciated Shar-Pei mix who was found tied up during a homeless sweep on Dec. 4, has gained weight and was ready for adoption at the Hawaiian Humane Society on Wednesday.

“He’s come a really long way,” said Hawaiian Humane Society spokeswoman Allison Andrade Gammel. “He’s very attention and affection motivated. He loves being touched.”

Danny touched the hearts of some pet-loving readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser when he was featured in a December story about the choices that some homeless pet owners face.

He was found tied up and abandoned as state sheriff’s deputies swept 70 homeless people and their animals from a Mapunapuna bike path that runs parallel to the H-1 freeway viaduct.

After a week at the Humane Society, where his age is estimated at 13 months, Danny quickly put on 10 pounds but still acted uncertain and nervous around strangers.

So Hawaiian Humane Society staff and volunteers worked with and played with Danny and exposed him to other animals.

On Wednesday, bulked up to 44 pounds and ready to please, Danny was one of 13 dogs ready for adoption.

“You can definitely tell he’s been getting some treats,” Gammel said. “He was so thin that he really didn’t have a lot of energy. He was very fearful and he was apprehensive. He had never seen toys before and now he really likes them. And he gets super excited with other dogs. He’s done a turnaround. He’s a very loyal dog now.”

Gammel said that potential owners should talk with a Hawaiian Humane Society adoption specialist about whether Danny or any other animal would be a good fit for their situation.

Danny’s improvement in health and attitude also might encourage more homeless pet owners to surrender their animals to the Hawaiian Humane Society to move off the streets and into a shelter or permanent housing.

“We do our best to do what’s right for the animals that are brought to our care,” Gammel said. “With a little bit of time and love, Danny was able to come out of his shell and become the dog we knew he could be.”