A young woman’s split-second choice to stop and care for a trembling pit bull on the side of the road has given the animal a second chance, while inspiring a wave of gratitude from online viewers. Keep reading to learn more.
The Story
@nele.and.nugget Huge shoutout to @Turkey Town Homestead for not caring that I woke her up in the middle of the night to tell her I picked up a sick dog off the side of the road and always knowing what to do as well as having everything we needed on hand to help this girl! #dumpeddog #pittie #rescue #rescuedog #dogsoftiktok ♬ Wash. – Bon Iver
The original story came from the woman, also known as @nele.and.nugget on TikTok. She found the dog cowering on the street, and pulled over to help when she believed the poor pup had been without food or water for hours.
She documented the rescue on video, telling her viewers, “One day while you’re in your 20s you might find a sick dog dumped on the side of the road… It is very important that you take her home and give her the life she deserves.”
Clips highlight the animal, later named Rogue, shaking in the rescuer’s car, and then transitioning to running on a beach, enjoying treats, and relaxing in a safe home.
When she was found, Rogue was “being eaten alive by fleas,” and the woman was “90% sure [Rogue] was dumped by her previous owners – they most likely didn’t want to deal with her health issues.”
The woman brought the dog home, gave her a much-needed bath, along with medical care and attention. She did so until Rogue showed signs of improvement. Rogue even started to interact with the woman’s household pets. “She’s doing so much better. She’s home with us and getting the medical care she needs.”
Online Reactions
Online reaction to the woman’s post was quick and full of love, with commenters praising the rescuer’s compassion.
One user commented: “You actually don’t know how much joy you bring me as a dog person, I hope your wallet is never empty, I hope you live your BEST life.”
Another exclaimed, “You deserve everything the world has to give. I hope the universe returns your kindness in double the amount.”
The woman’s TikTok video is the latest installment in a string of documented videos and articles by animal welfare groups and local news outlets. Many neglected or abandoned pit bulls have been found on roadsides or derelict properties. They often suffer from a range of malnutrition, injury, parasites, or other health problems.
The ASPCA specifically has highlighted rescue cases. For instance, a pit bull named Dharma was found with severe injuries and a prolapsed uterus. She later recovered and was adopted.
Many of these dogs are found tied to signposts, found in ditches, or rescued from abandoned homes. After treatment, they find new homes with loving individuals.
The Bigger Picture
Industry data and shelter reports reveal that these rescues are often resource-intensive, as the animal requires immediate veterinary care. Unfortunately, shelters and private rescuers shoulder most of these costs.
However, the rising trend of bystanders recording rescues has raised awareness and driven adoption interest, but animal welfare organizations caution that well-intentioned rescues must be paired with proper medical assessment. Or, if relevant, reported to the authorities as animal cruelty or abandonment.
In this instance, a woman’s kindness and documentation of Rogue’s rescue captured the hearts of viewers online. She won our hearts from the moment she was found, and the steps it took to restore her health.
It’s incredible how a little shaking dog “being eaten alive by fleas” can turn into a totally different animal. All it takes is proper care and treatment for her ailments.
Final Thoughts
The story also reflects a broader issue surrounding animal welfare. This includes the costs and responsibilities of pet ownership, the increase in abandonment when animals are ill, and the role of citizens and shelters in filling gaps in care.
While many rescues shed a positive light on something so sad, it is important to take preventive measures. This includes finding affordable veterinary care, learning about parasite prevention and spay/neuter programs, and reporting any cases of abuse or abandonment.