Some dogs possess a resilience that defies expectation, especially those who’ve endured unimaginable hardship. Just when it seems they’ve reached their lowest point, they rise and surprise everyone.
One small dog, abandoned outside a Michigan shelter, proved just how strong she truly was. She had been left in the bitter cold with only a blanket for warmth.
When rescuers found her, they feared the worst until she showed them she wasn’t ready to give up.
They Thought She Crossed The Rainbow Bridge
Corinne, director of the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society in Michigan, was stunned by what she saw when she arrived the next morning. The devastating sight at the shelter’s entrance left her speechless, and she acted immediately.
“It was found this morning on just a blanket. By its condition, we think it was there most of the night in the cold,” GPAAS wrote in a Facebook post.
Martin gently carried the dog inside to examine her condition.
“I pulled it inside the building, so I could assess the pup and see what was going on,” Martin told WXYZ Detroit.
The dog’s fur was matted with blood, and her paws were severely swollen. Mange had stripped nearly all her coat, leaving her skin cracked and painfully dry.
Despite her appearance, her condition wasn’t life-threatening.
She was taken to a nearby veterinary clinic, where she received medicated baths and antibiotics to begin healing her damaged skin.
After her story was posted on Facebook, messages of support flooded in from across the country.
But one question remained: what name would suit this brave little fighter?
The Michigan rescue asked their friends and followers to help them name this resilient pup who had survived the worst trauma of her life, and one suggestion stood out.
A Name That Honors Her Spirit
The name Gritty was proposed by a supporter, inspired by the Detroit Lions, Michigan’s NFL team known for their grit and determination.
“Gritty…not a very feminine name, but she certainly embodies the spirit of our Detroit Lions…never give up,” the commenter wrote.
It was the perfect fit. Gritty’s strength had carried her through her darkest moments, and now, her spirit was shining.
Her recovery exceeded expectations. Within days, she was feeling much better, and new fur began to grow across her body.
For now, Gritty is staying with a foster who specializes in caring for dogs with medical needs.
Once she’s fully healed, she’ll be available for adoption through GPAAS. Whoever welcomes her home will gain a companion whose name reflects everything she’s overcome.