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While driving down a highway near their home in Mexico, Rosa María Segura Alcántar and her husband, Erick, noticed something alarming. A lone dog stood in the middle of the road, looking lost and vulnerable. The couple didn’t hesitate—they knew they had to step in.
A Shocking Discovery in the Middle of the Road
The sight of the frightened dog was heartbreaking. “She looked confused, dehydrated and malnourished,” Rosa later shared with The Dodo. Without wasting time, they pulled their vehicle to the side. Erick then waited for a safe moment to cross through the oncoming traffic. Carefully, he approached the dog, offering comfort to the terrified animal.
Captured on Video: A Life-Changing Rescue
Their encounter was recorded and shared on TikTok through @refugioxollin, the account for their animal shelter. The clip shows the dog slowly warming up to her rescuers, finally allowing them to bring her to safety.
From Abandonment to Hope
Back in the car, the couple noticed signs that the dog had endured neglect. An old wound on her neck hinted that she may have once been tied up before being left behind. It was clear she had suffered, but those dark days were now behind her.
As the car drove away from the danger of the highway, the dog began to relax. She gently curled up in Erick’s arms, sensing she was now in safe hands.
Manzana Finds Refuge at Just the Right Time
The couple decided to name her Manzana. Luckily for her, she had crossed paths with people who were more than just kind strangers—they were seasoned rescuers. Rosa and Erick run Refugio Xollin, a shelter committed to giving abandoned animals a second chance.
“We feel relieved to have Manzana with us,” Rosa said. “She would have died out there, either hit by a car or from a lack of food and water.”
Thanks to their swift action, tragedy was avoided. Now, Manzana is on a path toward recovery and love.
Healing With Compassion
Since arriving at the shelter, Manzana has already shown great progress. She’s gaining weight, her energy is improving, and she has proven to be a gentle, affectionate companion. “She is not aggressive at all. She is very calm, loving, caring and gets along with other dogs,” Rosa shared. “Her little eyes are shining.”
Rosa and Erick are now searching for a permanent home where Manzana can continue to thrive. Until then, they are giving her the attention and affection she’s always deserved.
