One day, Libby and Zach returned to their home and found an unexpected surprise waiting for them. Living on a sprawling 200-acre property in Arkansas without any neighbors nearby, they never imagined they’d have an uninvited guest.
As they approached their porch, Zach noticed something unusual. “I could see there was something on the porch. Out here, it could be a bear,” Zach shared. “And then I could tell it was a dog and he was wagging his tail. He wasn’t in good health.”
They were astonished. How did a dog end up at their remote home? And more importantly, what should they do next?
They realized they couldn’t leave the dog alone outside. He didn’t seem capable of surviving on his own anymore. They decided to bring him inside and offer him shelter, at least until they could find his owner.
Libby and Zach gave the dog a bath, noticing he was in rough shape. He was dehydrated, had trouble moving, and seemed confused, likely because of health issues he had developed.
They named him Turbo, and he was very grateful for their care. While Zach bathed him, Turbo stood still and let him clean him up. They took him to the veterinarian, who estimated that Turbo was about eight years old.
After starting his medications, Turbo’s health improved a lot. He began moving better and even started running around outside with their other dog, Ava. Libby and Zach tried to find Turbo’s owner by posting his photo on Facebook and asking the vet if anyone recognized him. But no one came forward.
It became clear that Turbo could become a part of their family. But how would he get along with Ava?
Well, it wasn’t love at first sight, that’s for sure. “[Ava] tried to give him a lot of sass at the beginning. But then, they had a bit of a battle over some chew toys and they became friendly after that,” Zach recalled.
It’s amusing how Turbo just showed up at a random house and seemed to know it was where he needed to be. He must have sensed that the owners would take him in, which is why he patiently waited for them to come home. When they finally arrived, he was overjoyed and seemed to say, “Finally, you’re home!”
That day held another special coincidence. They had just returned from honoring an inspirational young man named Rikki Maisonet.
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.
Rikki was nicknamed Turbo at the distribution center where he worked. And on the same day, they met Turbo the dog, so it just felt right to name him Turbo.
Libby and Zach didn’t know that day they’d be adding a new member to their family. But they are grateful that Turbo chose their home and them as his new family.
Toledo, United States.