We are all very busy and stressed out people, with our own problems to worry about. Sometimes, when we see something or somebody out in the world that might need our help and attention, it can be too easy to dismiss it as somebody else’s problem.
Imgur user bobisacat faced such a dilemma recently, having come across a chihuahua wandering across the railroad tracks after a long day at work in rural Vermont. However, she felt as if something was definitely wrong and decided to trust the instincts that were telling her to help.
She was right. The poor pupper was blind and deaf, confused and scared. Now I don’t know about your experience with chihuahuas, but personally I don’t find them to be the most welcoming and trusting dogs. Gaining the trust of this little pup was definitely going to be a challenge! “I have a lot of experience with animals,” she told Bored Panda. “In addition to volunteering and then working at an animal shelter for many years I have studied animal behavior/cognition pretty intensely. Currently I help with a TNR program for cats, occasionally foster and recently adopted a 13 yr old Pitbull. I love animals and appreciate the bond we have with them.”
“I never thought of leaving that little dog, it was not an option when I couldn’t see anyone stopping.”
Even without the experience of handling animals that bobisacat has, you can always help lost and distressed animals by calling a local shelter, if you can’t take them there yourself. “I hope that sharing my experience can help people slow down and realize that there may not be anyone else coming to save the day,” she told us. “It’s up to us to be that person, and it’s hard sometimes but we should always try.”
Scroll down below to see how the story unfolded for yourself, and enjoy the beautiful ending!
Imgur user bobisacat spotted something weird on the railroad tracks at the end of her work day
So she decided to investigate
What she found changed two elderly lives
Here’s how people reacted
Four years ago, I was walking to my car and there was the tiniest kitten sitting in the middle of the sidewalk. Both eyes were covered in pus, his nose was glued shut from so much mucus, and he was taking tiny little gasps to breathe. The poor thing was hours away from death, all skin and bones. I stood there for a moment in shock at what I was seeing, then scooped him up and ran to the vet (who is just down the street). By the time I got there, I was already crying because I was sure the little guy was going to die. I called my husband in tears and asked him to pick us up. We set up a ICU in my study and the kitten slowly yet steadily got better. About two months later, he was allowed to leave our ICU and explore the rest of his new home--and meet the other cats! His name is Taques, which means "Spots" in Catalan (he's white with black spots), and he's the biggest, most loving, and squeakiest baby in the world. Always do the right thing. An innocent life is worth so much.
That's lovely Nadine. So glad you saved the little one.
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It saddens me that pulling over to help a confused dog is considered exceptional. My husband and I have "saved" more lost or abandoned cats and dogs than I can count, especially in warmer months. It is a mild inconvenience—but from what? Going home to watch TV? I'd rather help an animal than rush home to put my feet up. I never feel like a hero; it's just the right thing to do.
Totally agree. How people can ignore the fear and confusion this poor little dog must have felt.
Load More Replies... Four years ago, I was walking to my car and there was the tiniest kitten sitting in the middle of the sidewalk. Both eyes were covered in pus, his nose was glued shut from so much mucus, and he was taking tiny little gasps to breathe. The poor thing was hours away from death, all skin and bones. I stood there for a moment in shock at what I was seeing, then scooped him up and ran to the vet (who is just down the street). By the time I got there, I was already crying because I was sure the little guy was going to die. I called my husband in tears and asked him to pick us up. We set up a ICU in my study and the kitten slowly yet steadily got better. About two months later, he was allowed to leave our ICU and explore the rest of his new home--and meet the other cats! His name is Taques, which means "Spots" in Catalan (he's white with black spots), and he's the biggest, most loving, and squeakiest baby in the world. Always do the right thing. An innocent life is worth so much.
That's lovely Nadine. So glad you saved the little one.
Load More Replies... It saddens me that pulling over to help a confused dog is considered exceptional. My husband and I have "saved" more lost or abandoned cats and dogs than I can count, especially in warmer months. It is a mild inconvenience—but from what? Going home to watch TV? I'd rather help an animal than rush home to put my feet up. I never feel like a hero; it's just the right thing to do.
Totally agree. How people can ignore the fear and confusion this poor little dog must have felt.
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