Daniel was simply on another long day of work. Walking home with a friend one day, he noticed something unusual on the sidewalk.
A ridiculously small Poodle was tied to a tree appearing to be the most sickly and emaciated dog I’d ever seen. A cold lump of dread settled in Daniel’s stomach when he saw. He couldn’t understand how anyone could leave such a vulnerable animal. He did not hesitate to reach in and help.
The condition of what the dog was in shocked Daniel. Who would do such a thing to an innocent little puppy? It was heartbreaking. Ignoring his negative thoughts, he went to stand next to the dog with his friend. She was under nourished, her skin in terrible condition. Her coat was torn, and her grim eyes said all. The closer, the more it sounded like she was begging for help with each whine.
A New Beginning
They released her, and she jumped into Daniel’s arms for solace. That was a sweet moment, at least she appeared to know they weren’t the baddies.
They took her away and put her in a kennel for her own safety when she started calming down. Daniel drove her back to his house — he wanted to help fix her. He stocked up all the medicines needed and started her treatment immediately.
A warm bath cleansed away the fleas that had invaded her little body. In it all, she was cool, and hinted that she used to be handled by someone.
Daniel gave her the name Bella. She had lived through so much, yet still believed in people. He began feeding her meal by scanty little meal, to try and build her back up one layer at a time. The plan worked and over the next few days Bella slowly improved.
She was clearly getting settled in with Daniel more and more minute by minute. Daniel and Bella spend hours together, but when she gained strength, he must face an important decision regarding her future.
A Heartfelt Decision
Although Daniel could have rehomed Bella, he did not want to; as he loved her dearly. Instead he adopted her himself and continued to help her recuperate until she was fully better.
Clearly Bella loved and trusted him implicitly. Now Daniel was happy, and so was Bella who had endured a lot.
When I look back at all she has been through, I’m so glad that she is thriving with him. Stories like this really show how resilient and hopeful dogs can be.
Even with Bella in an apparent downward spiral, losing everything and having nowhere to turn, she was able to pick herself up because of the love and care Daniel provided.
Today, Bella is not just alive; she is thriving, a full-fledged family member in Daniel’s household.
