A little over two years ago, along a hot stretch of Florida highway, a weary dog wandered – thin, exhausted, and covered in fleas. Cars rushed past. The dog was emaciated and weak, had just had a litter of puppies, and yet somehow was still holding on. It might have been the end of her story if not for the kindness of one stranger who saw her and chose to stop.
Seeing her condition, the stranger carefully brought her to a veterinarian in Okeechobee. There, she received much-needed flea treatment, a full set of vaccinations, and something just as important: care and compassion. For the first time in a long while, she was safe.
The very next day, that same kind soul returned to the vet clinic, picked her up, and made sure her journey continued—this time to a shelter in Sebring, Florida. It was a place of second chances, and for the next two weeks she waited, healing not only in body but in spirit.
We saw her photo on the ‘Black Mouth Cur Rescue Me’ site and decided to drive to Sebring to meet her.
When the manager of the shelter introduced us to her at the shelter, it was obvious from her skinny body, her mangy coat and her numerous scars that life had been very difficult. But something about her spoke to us immediately.
Maybe it was her sweet disposition despite everything she’d obviously been through, or the fact that after being with her for about 30 minutes she gave both of us a ‘kiss’ to seal the deal. Whatever it was, we knew that she was right for us and we named her Lina.
Now her life couldn’t be more different. The once-emaciated animal by the roadside has become a healthy, playful, loyal companion who fills our days with laughter, comfort, and unconditional love. She’s smart, obedient, and gets along beautifully with all dogs and people she meets.
Lina’s story is a reminder that a single act of kindness can change everything—and that sometimes, the ones we rescue end up rescuing us right back.
A beloved pet’s photo, whether dog, cat, horse, bird, or fish will be featured in the Verandah View Pet of the Month. Resident owners can send in a photo with pet’s name, owner’s name, type of pet, and one sentence or two about their pet by texting Susan Shamey at (724) 355-2478 or email [email protected]. Your pet’s debut will be in the Verandah View in the order they are submitted. All pets are beautiful to their owners.
