They say the bond between children and dogs is unlike anything else, and that could not be more true.
Dogs carry a playful, kid-like spirit that makes it easy for little ones to connect with them, creating a relationship filled with warmth and innocence.
When one young girl and her mother read about Scratchy, a sweet puppy with mange who had been placed on a euthanasia list, they knew they had to step in. The girl, especially, grew deeply attached to his story and wished with all her heart that he could one day live the life he deserved.
A few weeks later, her biggest wish came true.
From Shelter List To A New Beginning
Scratchy ended up on the euthanasia list through no fault of his own. The overcrowded Texas shelter where he was staying simply had no room for a sick pup, and his skin condition made him vulnerable.
“He came to us from a partner shelter, where he was on the euthanasia list because of his medical condition,” Three Little Pitties Rescue explained in a post.
Michelle and her daughter, who had seen the post online, were devastated by Scratchy’s situation. The little girl asked about him every single day, desperate to know if he had been saved.
Although Michelle didn’t know exactly where Scratchy was at the time, she began searching everywhere for updates. Days later, she finally discovered that Three Little Pitties Rescue had pulled him from the shelter and was looking for a foster home.
The Sweetest Surprise
Without hesitation, Michelle applied to foster him. What came next would become one of the most unforgettable moments of her daughter’s life.
When the girl came home from school one afternoon, she found Scratchy waiting for her in the living room.
In the emotional video, she bursts into tears of joy as soon as she recognizes the pup she had been so worried about.
“Pure, deep, love at first sight. A little girl who worried and cared so deeply all week about a little mangy dog. And her sense of relief getting to hold him,” TLPR wrote in their video description.
Tears streamed down her face, but this time they were tears of happiness. Scratchy was no longer just a sad story online—he was part of her world now.
A Second Chance At Life
It didn’t take long for Scratchy to settle in. Within just a few days, he began showing his playful side, thanks to the love and care of Michelle’s family.
His skin started healing, and he quickly showed off new talents that melted hearts.
“This little guy was once out of time, but now he’s safe, and continuing to steal hearts every day. He’s crate trained, a certified cuddle bug, and totally rocking the doggy fashion scene (he loves wearing clothes!),” the Texas rescue shared in a later Instagram post.
Scratchy now enjoys simple joys like chasing balls and cuddling up with his foster family.
For Michelle and her family, choosing to foster him was life-changing. They gave him the second chance he deserved, and in return, gained a new friend who filled their home with joy.
Wishing you the happiest life, Scratchy.