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While out for a drive, a couple noticed a dog chained up next to the road. She looked defeated and completely alone, sitting quietly by a small doghouse. Though they continued on their way, they couldn’t shake the image of the sorrowful dog. It didn’t take long for them to turn around and go back.
Living in Isolation With No One to Comfort Her
After asking around, they learned the heartbreaking truth. The dog’s original owner had passed away from COVID-19 three years earlier, and their son rarely visited the property. A man who maintained the yard was the only one leaving food and water for her, but only every few days. Aside from those brief visits, she had been living entirely on her own… for years!
The son had mentioned he was open to giving the dog away, but he assumed no one would want her. The moment the couple heard that, they made their decision.
“We asked if we could take her, and he gave us the go-ahead without hesitation,” the couple shared in a TikTok post.
Rescue and a New Beginning
They named the dog Xena. At first, she was frightened and unsure. Her body showed signs of neglect—covered in fleas, ticks, and old scars. She was also painfully thin. But with some gentle coaxing and a little food, they got her into the car and started the journey toward a better life.
Though still timid when she arrived at their home, Xena gradually began to relax, especially after meeting her new furry siblings. She even started wagging her tail. Her rescuers gave her a warm bath to wash away the years of outdoor living and made a vet appointment to begin her recovery.
“She is such a gentle soul and you could see in her eyes how she trusted us,” the couple wrote.
Vet Visit and First Taste of Freedom
At the veterinary clinic, Xena amazed everyone with her calm demeanor. She seemed to understand she was finally in safe hands. With prescribed medications and care instructions, her new family began helping her heal, physically and emotionally.
One of her most joyful milestones came shortly after: her first trip to the beach.
“We watched her run for the first time,” they shared. “She was the cutest thing trying to run, she kept tripping onto her legs and it was such an incredible moment to watch her run free.”
A Bond That Can’t Be Broken
As she explored the beach, Xena never strayed far from her new family. Even in her excitement, she kept them in sight, as if to say thank you with every glance. It was clear she understood that everything good in her life now was because of them, and she had no plans to leave their side.
Thanks to this wonderful couple, Xena is happy, healthy, and free. If you ever see an animal neglected or in distress, please refrain from trespassing and contact the local authorities. They’ll know just what to do!
