Dobby’s story began in desperation but ended in pure joy. Rachel, a rescuer with Sidewalk Specials, found her trembling in a doorway, her frail body covered in ticks. The sight was heartbreaking. “Your natural reaction when you see a dog in that stage is just to give them a hug,” Rachel shared in the video below, recalling the moment she knew immediate action was needed. Despite the initial uncertainty about whether her team could take Dobby in, Rachel couldn’t leave her behind. “This has got to be dealt with ASAP,” she decided, determined to give the scared dog a chance at a better life.
When Rachel approached Dobby, it took patience and care to gain her trust. At first, Dobby was defensive, snapping out of fear, but Rachel’s persistence paid off. “As soon as she figured out that we weren’t going to stop and that we weren’t going to hurt her, she just let us pick her up,” Rachel explained. The ticks clinging to her were overwhelming, but Rachel didn’t hesitate. “In the moment, you don’t really think about it. You just want to get this dog out of there.”
Dobby was placed with a foster family who had other dogs and cats, offering her a warm and nurturing environment to recover. She quickly settled in, showing a softer side that had been hidden by fear.
Before long, the perfect home came along for Dobby. The transformation was remarkable: from a frightened dog cowering in a doorway, Dobby blossomed into a playful, loving companion. She now spends her days surrounded by love, laughter, and every toy she could ever want.
“She’s just loving life, making everyone laugh,” Rachel said. For Dobby, the journey from despair to happiness is a testament to the power of compassion and second chances.
Shortly after being released, he became overcome by rage and frustration and began violently wailing on his poor, trembling, frightened dog. It's clear that this man's violent tendencies didn't decrease after serving his time.
Dobby’s story is one of many. Thanks to dedicated rescuers, foster families, and adopters, lots of abandoned and stray pups are now living their best lives. We are forever grateful for them all!
Toledo, United States.