Losing a beloved pet is one of the most difficult experiences, but sometimes, the best way to honor their memory is to open your heart to another dog in a shelter. While a new dog is never a replacement, they do bring a source of comfort and affection during a time of need. This is especially true for ‘harder to adopt’ dogs who are at risk of being euthanized. Recently, a woman embarked on a mission to save a dog whose life was in danger after spotting a familiar face on a shelter’s euthanasia list.
Whitney Fang, the founder of Hearts & Bones Rescue in Dallas, Texas, shared the touching story on TikTok about how she came to rescue a dog named Glinda. As Whitney was scrolling through the euthanasia list of a local shelter, she was struck by a dog who bore an uncanny resemblance to her late dog, Luna. Glinda, with her dark fur and gray muzzle, looked almost like a twin of Luna, the dog who had inspired Whitney to start rescuing animals more than a decade ago.
Feeling that this was more than just a coincidence, Whitney knew she had to act. She saw it as a sign from above, a chance to save a life in Luna’s honor. Without hesitation, Whitney went to the shelter to meet Glinda. Although the dog was initially shy and anxious, she quickly warmed up to Whitney’s gentle presence. The bond was immediate and strong.
“I knew immediately that she was coming to my house,” Whitney shared. “Meet Glinda.”
Glinda had been placed on the shelter’s euthanasia list not only due to overcrowding but also because of her numerous medical issues. She was unwell, had several masses on her body, and suffered from problems in her mammary area, likely as a result of overbreeding. Despite these challenges, Whitney was determined to give Glinda the care she desperately needed. Glinda underwent surgery to remove the masses, and now she is on the road to recovery under Whitney’s attentive care.
“She tinkles when she sees me, so I know we are going to have a good time here!” Whitney humorously wrote on TikTok.
Whitney made it clear that this rescue was not just about saving Glinda, but also a tribute to her beloved Luna, the dog who started it all. “This one is for you, Luna,” she wrote, honoring the memory of the dog that first inspired her passion for rescue work.
This heartwarming story is a reminder of the impact one person can make in the life of a shelter dog. Whitney’s compassionate response to seeing Glinda on the euthanasia list not only saved Glinda’s life but also turned a sad situation into a beautiful tribute to her late pet. Now, Glinda is safe and loved and receiving the medical care she needs, all thanks to Whitney’s quick actions and kind heart.
As Glinda continues her recovery, she does so in a loving environment where she is cherished every day. Whitney’s story serves as an inspiration to all of us to consider rescuing animals in need and to remember that sometimes, opening our hearts to a new pet can be the best way to honor the ones we’ve lost.
Click the video below to watch this incredible story!
@whitneysdogs I met a dog this weekend on the euthanasia list that reminded me of my heart dog, Luna. Luna was the reason why I started doing rescue over a dozen years ago. Meet Glinda, a mama dog who found herself on the euthanasia list due to lack of space as well as clear medical issues in her mammary area, likely due to overbreeding. She is a medium-sized, gray-muzzled, shy, black with brown speckles kind of dog. Well, I knew immediately that she was coming to my house. She got the surgery she needed to remove multiple masses, and is now safe at home with me recovering. She tinkles when she sees me so I know we are going to have a good time here! I can’t wait to share her journey with you guys. This one is for you, Luna ❤️ Follow @whitneysdogs for more foster glow-ups! #dogrescue #shelterovercapacity #helpingshelterdogs #fosteringsaveslives #heartsandbonesrescue ♬ Guilty as Sin? – Taylor Swift