When Nina Love, founder of The Black Thornberry rescue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, heard about a strange furry animal wandering the woods, she knew she had to investigate.
Upon reaching the area, she found the creature was actually a frightened dog, fearful of human contact.
In order to avoid scaring the dog, Love and her team maintained their distance, instead opting to use trail cameras to monitor the dog’s movements and understand its behavior better.
Setting A Careful Trap
While Love generally avoids using traps, she felt it was necessary in this case. After tracking the dog’s movements with the help of the cameras, she found her usual spots and carefully placed a trap.
“I wanted to provide a safe place for her and a good food source, so I set the trap. I tend to not want to use a trap. [But] I thought for her safety the trap would be the best situation,” Love told The Dodo.
Though the dog remained fearful, Love remained patient. After a week of waiting, the dog finally entered the trap.
Overcome with emotion, Love struggled to hold back tears as she saw the dog safe inside. The dog trembled, unsure of what was happening. But as Love spoke softly, the pup began to settle.
When Love approached the dog, she noticed something unusual: the dog was wearing two collars.
Hoping to identify the dog, Love posted a photo online, asking if anyone recognized her.
A friend saw the post and thought of a family that had been searching for their missing dog for two months. The friend contacted Love with a possible lead.
After comparing photos, it was confirmed: they had found the missing dog.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Love contacted the family with the news, learning the dog’s name was Hannah. The family had been heartbroken since she went missing from a nearby park.
Love took Hannah to the vet for a full check-up and a microchip scan, which confirmed that her owner was Ashley.
Ashley, overwhelmed with joy, rushed to the rescue and scooped Hannah up into her arms. Hannah showered her with gentle kisses, and the emotional reunion left everyone in tears.
Ashley had searched tirelessly for Hannah, visiting shelters, posting flyers, and reaching out to the community. Despite her efforts, nothing had worked until now.
Having adopted Hannah from a shelter in South Carolina, Ashley had watched Hannah grow comfortable in her new home, only for her to disappear just two days after arriving.
Back at home, Hannah needed time to adjust and feel safe once again. With love and reassurance from her family, she began to heal. Ashley was overjoyed the day she heard Hannah bark again.
A New Chapter For Hannah
Thanks to the care and compassion of Nina Love and her rescue, Hannah is finally able to move past her fear and embrace the loving home she always deserved.
Now, Hannah spends her days playing with her dog siblings and snuggling with her family.
Endless thanks to Nina Love for bringing Hannah home and reuniting her with the family that loves her most.