Some moments in life seem to unfold at the perfect time, almost as if fate intervenes when needed most.
This is the story of Virginia Matthews, a Mississippi woman who stumbled upon a frightened stray puppy and how her act of kindness changed both their lives.
Matthews, who lives alone near the forest in Taylorsville, Mississippi, decided to take a walk one afternoon. As she walked along the path, she suddenly heard faint noises coming from deeper in the woods.
Curious, she stopped and listened carefully. The sound grew clearer and it soon became apparent that it was a puppy’s cry. Following the noise, Matthews came across a small dog all alone, looking terrified and helpless.
She searched the area for any signs of an owner but found no one. Realizing the puppy had been abandoned, Matthews made the compassionate decision to bring him home.
A Timid Puppy Learning To Trust
The little dog, who Matthews later named Lonely, was understandably scared and kept his distance. He resisted her attempts to get close, unsure of what to do.
Despite his fear, Matthews gently encouraged him, and, to her relief, Lonely began following her back home.
When they reached her house, Lonely immediately crawled under a camper trailer, refusing to come out. He was not ready to trust just yet.
Matthews suspected that the puppy’s mother might have been a stray, and that they had become separated. Wanting to comfort him, she offered food and water, then bought him a soft bed and toys to help him feel safe.
For several days, Matthews sat nearby, speaking softly to him and patiently working to gain his trust.
After about a week, Lonely began to relax. He allowed Matthews to pet him and even started sleeping inside the house.
She took him to the vet for a check-up, and thankfully, Lonely was in good health. With a new collar and leash, he began adjusting to a new routine, learning to use puppy pads, and growing more comfortable with life indoors.
Matthews shared his progress on TikTok, admitting that she hadn’t owned a dog in thirty years and was eager for advice from others.
An Unlikely Twist Of Fate
Just as Matthews was getting to know Lonely, she discovered something surprising.
She learned that just two days before she found Lonely, a group of campers had discovered another puppy in the same forest and decided to take him in.
Matthews was convinced that this was Lonely’s sibling, further reinforcing her belief that their encounter was meant to be.
With patience and care, Lonely grew more confident each day. He started to play, explore, and his joyful personality emerged.
The once-timid puppy became deeply attached to Matthews and followed her wherever she went.
She often reflects on how much Lonely has changed her life for the better.
“When I found Lonely, lost and alone in the woods, he changed MY life. I never would’ve thought that I needed him too,” Matthews shared on TikTok.
Now, Lonely is thriving in his new home, and both he and Matthews are grateful for the bond they share.