You don’t need to be a pet owner to feel heartache when seeing a dog that has been left behind. For those who know what it means to love an animal, that pain is even deeper.
While taking her usual lunchtime walk with her three dogs in Houston, Texas, Tina Holland noticed something unusual just a few feet from a busy road.
A cardboard box sat near a dumpster. Inside were a pee pad and a toy, and beside it lay a small puppy dragging herself along the ground, weak and frightened.
Realizing something was terribly wrong, Holland hurried to help.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
It was immediately clear what had happened. The box filled with pet supplies told the story. Someone had abandoned the puppy on purpose.
Holland could not understand how anyone could do something so cruel.
Even worse, the puppy was trembling nonstop. She was helpless and alone, left with nothing but a toy and the cold ground beneath her.
Without hesitation, Holland lifted the puppy and tucked her into her sweatshirt to warm her up. The tiny dog quickly relaxed in the soft fabric, finally feeling safe.
The sight was both touching and sad. For the first time, the puppy looked at peace.
Once back at her office, Holland offered her water, comforted her, and checked for injuries. To her relief, the puppy appeared healthy, though she was still scared and exhausted.
Knowing that the pup needed more care than she could provide, Holland reached out to Dawgs Fight Back, a rescue based in New Hampshire.
The team agreed to take her in. Soon after, the puppy, now named Peeka, was transported safely into their care.
“She is the sweetest 10 week old pup. She was left in box next to a dumpster in Houston last week. Luckily she was found by a sweet person who loves animals,” DFB wrote on Facebook.
A Fresh Start For Peeka
Peeka, a Pittie mix, quickly showed her affectionate and gentle personality. Despite what she had endured, she loved attention and got along wonderfully with both people and other animals.
Her rescuers were amazed by how trusting and playful she was after everything she had been through.
“We think she is a pittie mix and has the sweetest little green eyes. She loves cuddles and other animals. She is ready for adoption,” the rescue shared.
Now in foster care, Peeka is thriving. She spends her days playing, exploring, and learning what it means to be loved and cared for.
All she needs now is a forever home where she will never be abandoned again.
Peeka’s journey is proof of how one act of kindness can completely change a life.