Embracing A Rescue Dog

Pebbles' Second Chance

Before I ever met Pebbles, her story had already begun, and it was far from a fairytale. Last March, a friend called me about a dog in dire straits. She was unable to help and turned to me for assistance. The details I learned broke my heart, and I knew I had to act immediately. The other option, as I was told, would have been to surrender her to one of the local agencies. With her breed, age, and honestly, she didn’t look too healthy either; she stood no chance. That's the hard reality of her breed, Staffordshire Terrier, but that's a whole other conversation.

Pebbles in the backseat of a car, looking wary and anxious, at the start of her journey to a new life.

I'll never forget the day I picked up Pebbles. The bond was immediate. As I learned more about her past, my heart sank further. Pebbles had been through a lot, including sustaining three fractured teeth and trauma to the head. When I took her in, she was lactating, a clear sign she had recently had puppies. Her belly was saggy, filled with milk, indicating her puppies were very young. I'll never know the truth as to what truly happened but what I have been told is rather chilling. For the first week, Pebbles roamed restlessly, crying and digging, searching for her lost litter. It was a hard stretch and at times I cried watching her wishing I could take that pain away.

Pebbles finding comfort and security in her new home, clutching her favorite squeaky toy that she seldom puts down, except for brief moments to eat and drink.

Along with suffering the devastating loss of her litter, she was now in a new environment and terrified of any loud sound. The vet told me she was almost 20lbs underweight and then came the tumor which turned out to be cancerous. As if this poor girl hadn't been through enough, she ended up losing a toe as well.

She and my son have become the best of friends, finding solace and joy in each other's company. They’ve established their routines, and Pebbles has found her peace.. When my son is away, and Pebbles spots a child on a bike, she's ready to bound after them, mistaking them for him in her sweet, hopeful way. She has even taking to burying bones in the backyard—a sign of her newfound security. That and officially claiming my bed......you would think she could share an entire king-sized bed?! When my mom visits, she dotes on Pebbles as if she's cradling her first grandchild. And I'll admit, I don't treat Pebbles any differently than my own child.

A rejuvenated Pebbles cuddling with her owner, symbolizing her improved health and the strong bond she's formed in her forever home.

Pebbles came to me at just the right time. For both of us. I had been dealing with my own losses and had sunk into a bad depression. Somedays it was hard to get out of bed.

Before and after photo of Pebbles, showcasing her remarkable transformation from a rescued Staffordshire Terrier with a subdued demeanor to a vibrant, healthy dog with a shiny coat and a bright smile

The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Us

After a year together you can feel and see the difference, she has made not only for herself but for my entire family! Pebbles has a personality that is so unique that any words I could say wouldn’t begin to do it justice. But I will tell you one thing...don’t ever get between her and a hot dog or a pepperoni stick 🤣

This is where we get a little mushy...

My philosophy regarding animals is grounded in the conviction that they deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and recognition of their intrinsic nature as sentient beings. This is particularly true for dogs, whose unparalleled loyalty and affection often manifest in a love for their human companions that surpasses even their self-regard. It is this profound bond that illuminates the special place dogs hold in our lives and hearts.

I can’t change what Pebbles or countless other animals have endured in the past. What I can do, and what I'll keep doing, is making sure her time with us is full of as much love and joy as she brings to our family.

To those who might be moved by Pebbles' story, I encourage you to find a way to extend your kindness to animals in need. Whether it's adopting from a local shelter, supporting animal welfare organizations, or simply spreading the word about the plight of rescue dogs like Pebbles, your actions can cast ripples of change.

🐾 With heartfelt love, Melissa & Pebbles 🐾

If you've found this guide helpful and are passionate about ensuring a happy, healthy life for your pet, check out our other blog articles!

We’d love to hear from you, too. Share your stories in the comments below. Your insights not only enrich our community’s knowledge but also reinforce the collective love we share for our canine companions.