In the cold and unforgiving winter of 2018, the dedicated team at Howl of a Dog, a Romania-based animal rescue organization, received an urgent and distressing call that would set in motion a mission of compassion, determination, and hope. The call was about a stray dog—a lone, vulnerable white canine—who had been spotted dangerously close to a set of railroad tracks. The caller, deeply concerned, feared that if the dog wasn’t rescued quickly, it would face a tragic fate under the wheels of an oncoming train.
Without hesitation, the rescuers from Howl of a Dog sprang into action. They knew time was of the essence and that every moment counted. As they hurried to the location, the weight of the situation pressed heavily on them. A life was at stake, and they were determined to do everything in their power to save it.
When they arrived, the rescuers quickly spotted the dog. He was a beautiful white canine, but it was clear he had been through a lot. The dog was visibly frightened, and any movement from the rescuers sent him running in the opposite direction. His skittish behavior made it clear that he had learned to distrust humans, likely due to a history of neglect or mistreatment. The rescuers could see the fear in his eyes, but they were resolute—they would not leave without him.
However, the situation was more dangerous than they initially realized. Attempting to rescue the dog near the railroad tracks was incredibly risky. One wrong move, and the dog could easily dart onto the tracks, putting himself in even greater danger. The rescuers made a quick decision—they needed to guide the dog away from the tracks and into a safer area where they could attempt the rescue without the constant threat of a passing train.
The dog, however, was not making it easy. Each time the rescuers approached, he bolted, leading them on what felt like a never-ending chase. “It was too risky to attempt a rescue there; we were worried that he could run and get hit by a passing train, so we followed him, trying to redirect him towards a safer place,” Howl of a Dog later wrote on their YouTube channel. “It was quite a marathon as he ran away each time we approached him.”
The rescuers knew they needed to be patient. They started offering the dog treats, hoping to win his trust with food. But the dog was too frightened to accept their offerings at first. It seemed that fear and hunger were battling within him—his instinct to survive was strong, but his fear of humans was stronger. The rescuers could only imagine what this poor dog had been through to make him so fearful.
Finally, after what felt like hours of persistence, the dog’s hunger began to outweigh his fear. He cautiously approached the rescuers, drawn in by the smell of the treats they held out. Every step he took was hesitant, but the rescuers remained still, not wanting to startle him. They could see him limping as he moved toward them, and as he got closer, they noticed a deep cut near his left eye. This dog had clearly been through a lot, and now, more than ever, they were determined to help him.
When the dog was close enough, the rescuers slowly reached out to him. They could see the weariness in his eyes, but also a glimmer of hope—a hope that perhaps these humans might be different. The rescuers gently placed a leash around his neck, and the dog, sensing their kindness, didn’t resist. They finally had him safe and secure.
With the dog now in their care, the rescuers immediately took him to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. The vet quickly assessed the dog’s injuries, confirming that he was blind in his left eye, likely a result of the trauma he had endured. Thankfully, his right eye was perfectly fine, allowing him to see and navigate the world around him. The vet also scanned the dog for a microchip, and to everyone’s surprise, the dog had one. This meant that, at one point, he had a home and an owner.
The rescuers were filled with a sense of anticipation. They had assumed the dog was a stray, but now it seemed they might be able to reunite him with his family. The possibility of reuniting a lost dog with his rightful owner was a joyful thought, and the team eagerly contacted the number associated with the microchip.
But the response they received was not what they had hoped for. When they reached the owner, their excitement quickly turned to disbelief. The owner coldly informed them that the dog, named Bobi, had run away from home, and they no longer wanted him. The rescuers were stunned. They couldn’t comprehend how anyone could turn their back on such a sweet soul, especially after learning about the hardships he had faced.
The news was heartbreaking. It was now clear why Bobi had been so skittish and fearful—he had been abandoned, cast aside like he was worth nothing. His reluctance to trust people, his hesitance to accept help, all stemmed from the deep emotional scars of rejection. Bobi was not just a stray dog; he was a dog with a broken heart.
“We’ll never know why he left home and why he wasn’t wanted anymore, but we do not want to judge anyone. We’re just thankful that we were able to save him,” Howl of a Dog shared in a heartfelt message.
With the rejection still fresh in their minds, the rescuers vowed to give Bobi the love and care he deserved. They brought him back to their rescue center, where he could start his journey toward healing, both physically and emotionally. Despite the pain he had endured, Bobi showed a remarkable resilience. As he settled into his new environment, he began to open up in ways the rescuers hadn’t expected.
Though Bobi was nine years old, he played with the other dogs at the rescue center as if he were still a puppy. His tail wagged with excitement, and he ran around the yard with a youthful energy that brought smiles to everyone who watched. It was clear that Bobi was relishing his newfound freedom and the love that surrounded him.
The Howl of a Dog team was overjoyed to see Bobi’s transformation. “He’s very gentle, loving, and obedient, and he is still playful and curious. It’s like he’s living now the puppyhood he missed,” they observed. Bobi’s joyful spirit was infectious, and he quickly became a favorite at the rescue center.
Determined to find Bobi the perfect forever home, Howl of a Dog decided to share his story with the world. They posted a video of Bobi’s journey on their YouTube page, hoping that someone out there would see the sweet dog and offer him the loving home he deserved. The video captured Bobi’s playful nature, his gentle demeanor, and the resilience that had brought him through such a difficult time.
As the video gained views, one family in the United States saw it and immediately fell in love with Bobi. They reached out to Howl of a Dog, expressing their desire to adopt him. The rescuers were thrilled—their goal was always to find the best possible home for Bobi, and it seemed that they had finally found it.
Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!
After completing the necessary arrangements, Bobi made the long journey from Romania to the United States, where he was welcomed with open arms by his new family. He now lives in a loving home with two dog siblings that he adores. Bobi’s new family sent Howl of a Dog a heartwarming video showing just how happy and content he is in his new life. Bobi, once a frightened stray with a broken heart, had found his happy ending.
Through the compassion and dedication of Howl of a Dog, Bobi’s story went from one of despair to one of hope, love, and new beginnings. His journey is a testament to the power of kindness and the incredible transformations that can occur when we choose to care for those in need. Bobi’s heart may have been broken, but with the love of his new family, it was mended, and he now lives the life every dog deserves—a life full of love, joy, and the warmth of a true home.
Toledo, United States.
