When Jaina and Ivy Spagis pulled into a coffee drive-thru in San Bernardino, California, hoping to grab a treat, they never imagined they were about to cross paths with a dog who desperately needed help.
As they approached the window, a large gray and white dog suddenly darted in front of their car. Her tail was tightly tucked, her body language tense—clearly terrified and disoriented.
The couple quickly noticed something unusual about her. Dangling from the dog’s neck was an unexpected item.
It looked like a pair of pants were tied loosely around her neck.
Frightened Dog Accepts Gentle Help
Jaina and Ivy, who run a local cat rescue called Cats of San Bernardino, were no strangers to helping animals in distress.
Without hesitation, they decided to try and help the frightened pup. As they slowly approached her, they couldn’t help but feel heartbroken at the sadness in her eyes.
The dog—later named Bette Davis—seemed to be scanning the parking lot, as if searching for someone familiar. She looked completely lost and unsure of who to trust.
As the couple gently advanced, Bette cautiously wagged her tucked tail and inched away, torn between fear and the desire for comfort. Her body language showed just how conflicted she felt.
Jaina and Ivy spoke softly to her, trying to ease her anxiety with calming words.
Finally, they got close enough. Bette sensed their kindness and allowed them to approach.
When Jaina knelt down and reached out to pet her, the dog responded by licking her hand.
Feeling safer in their presence, Bette rolled onto her back—a hopeful gesture asking for affection and reassurance.
She soaked up the attention, clearly needing the comfort and love the rescuers were offering.
A Fresh Start Begins
Jaina and Ivy gently stroked Bette’s head and led her to a more secure spot, where they treated her to a whipped cream cup.
As Bette enjoyed the sweet treat, the couple removed the item from her neck and discovered it was actually a sweatshirt, not pants.
Once she finished her Puppuccino, the trusting dog hopped into their vehicle without hesitation.
The couple brought her to the vet for a checkup. A microchip scan revealed some answers about her past.
Hopeful that Bette had a loving family, they called the number registered to her chip, optimistic that a reunion was ahead.
Sadly, things didn’t go as they had hoped. The truth left them heartbroken.
“We were able to contact the owner today and found out that he moved away and couldn’t take her. We asked if he wanted her back, and he said, ‘No,’” Cats of San Bernardino wrote on Instagram.
As they looked into Bette’s soulful blue eyes, full of gratitude and hope, they knew they couldn’t let her down.
Looking For A Family Who Will Stay
The rescuers promised Bette that they would find her a loving home—one where she would never feel abandoned again.
Since their rescue facility is designed for cats, Jaina and Ivy couldn’t take her in themselves.
Instead, they quickly secured a foster home, where Bette was lovingly cared for over the next week.
During that time, the couple prepared a space at their facility that could accommodate Bette, allowing them to bring her into their care more permanently.
Bette was overjoyed to see her rescuers again. She seemed brighter, happier—her eyes now sparkled, and her tail wagged without hesitation.
Although she still hasn’t found a forever home, this sweet California girl has received plenty of interest.
Her rescuers are confident that she’ll soon find someone who sees her worth and loves her unconditionally.
Bette Davis is ready for a new chapter with someone who will never give up on her.