An abandoned dog sat alone in a park in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, watching and waiting for her owners to come back. She was clearly in need of help, but she refused to let anyone get close.
Local residents grew concerned about her safety as temperatures dropped and the dog remained outside in the freezing cold. They contacted experienced rescuer Janine Guido, founder of Speranza Animal Rescue, hoping she could bring the frightened dog to safety.
“Ever wonder what a dog dumped by her owners does?” Guido wrote on Speranza Animal Rescue’s Facebook page. “Sits and watches. Waiting for her family to come back.”
“This dog has been waiting for 5 days. For the past 3 days, since I’ve been called, I’ve been out there,” Guido continued. “She had eaten out of my hand yesterday and the day before. But scoots away when I tried to leash her.”
The dog, later identified as Carla, would approach Guido for food but quickly retreat whenever she tried to put a leash around her.
“Lots of people are flooding the area. Trying to catch her: Sadly, today is the first time in almost a week with no sightings. She’s getting spooked. I’m praying she is still there. PLEASE if you see this dog. DO NOT chase. Do NOT feed her. Do NOT follow her or attempt to catch her.”
Carla disappeared for several days. Then Guido received a call from someone who had spotted her on their back porch. Unfortunately, the frightened dog became startled again and ran toward the woods.
Not long afterward, Guido received another call. Carla had returned to the same home.
Finally, there was a reason to hope.
Guido was livestreaming on Facebook, explaining what had happened that morning and sharing her frustration over how difficult it had been to catch Carla. Then the camera turned toward the back seat of her vehicle.
And there was Carla!
After days of searching and trying to earn her trust, Guido had finally managed to bring her to safety.
Guido took Carla to the veterinarian for an examination. The dog had no microchip and was approximately 15 to 20 pounds underweight, suggesting she had been struggling on her own for quite some time.
Carla was covered in fleas and limping. She had minor frostbite on her paws and possibly some arthritis. But one thing was certain: she would not have to spend another night exposed to the freezing weather.
“No more sleeping under cold pine trees in the snow – tonight you will be sleeping in a warm and cozy home with your foster family,” Guido wrote. “Love you so much already, Carla.”
Before heading to her foster home, Carla received a much-needed bath. She also enjoyed a special treat: a roast beef sandwich from Arby’s during the drive.
After everything she had been through, the exhausted dog finally had a comfortable place to rest. She settled down and slept for a long time.
After several days of rest, Carla began adjusting to her new surroundings. She was doing very well and even enjoyed a weekend walk with her foster siblings.
Once Carla is ready, she will be available for adoption and the chance to find a permanent family.
Anyone wishing to support Speranza Animal Rescue and help provide care for Carla and other rescued animals can visit the organization’s website.
Pupdate:
Carla’s story eventually had the happy ending everyone had hoped for. After spending some time in foster care, she found a forever family.
Speranza Animal Rescue shared the wonderful news:
“She is so spoiled and loved by them already. They said she has really started to come out of her shell. And, it’s really neat to see her blossom in such a short time…
“We aren’t sure why you were dumped in that park that day. We aren’t sure why your family could let you down like they did – but, you no longer have to worry sweet girl.
“Congratulations, Carla. You so deserve your fairy tale ending.”
