Sometimes, holding on to just a little bit of hope can make all the difference.
When Ladybird, an elderly black Lab, was found inside a public bathroom at a park in Destrehan, Louisiana, she hadn’t lost faith. Her owner, going through an incredibly difficult time, had left her there temporarily along with a touching note.
Not long after, kindhearted rescuers came across this sweet senior girl — but what she received that day was far more than a simple rescue.
Ladybird’s Journey
The story of how Ladybird ended up in that bathroom is truly emotional. She and her owner had spent nine wonderful years together, traveling across the country and remaining inseparable ever since she was just six weeks old.
Whenever life on the road became tiring, they would head back to their home in North Carolina, spend some time with family, and then set out on new adventures together.
This time, though, their journey took a turn. Ladybird’s owner had become homeless while in Louisiana.
Living in a shelter and saving every penny in hopes of returning to North Carolina, he found himself without transportation or a safe place for Ladybird.
With no other option, he left her in a park bathroom overnight, along with some water and a note explaining he’d be back in the morning. In the note, he pleaded with anyone who found her to be kind.
The Start Of A Rescue Mission
When he returned the next day, Ladybird was gone. He quickly contacted animal control, who informed him she had been taken to St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter.
Once the shelter team heard the full backstory, they knew this was no ordinary case and felt compelled to help reunite the devoted pair.
They reached out to the Virginia Beach SPCA, arranging for Ladybird’s transfer there. The VBSPCA team welcomed her warmly, giving her a soothing bath and even treating her to a pampering day at a local dog spa.
Afterward, she enjoyed a well-deserved pupachino as a reward for being such a gentle and patient girl.
Ladybird’s story quickly spread, and soon, multiple pet organizations stepped in to offer assistance. Donations poured in to cover her travel expenses, veterinary care, and supplies for the trip home.
Finally, she made it back to North Carolina and had the sweetest reunion with her “grandma.”
The joy was undeniable — they were both over the moon to see each other again.
Her owner later got in touch with Ladybird’s rescuers to share how they were doing.
“Ladybird is doing wonderfully with her family in North Carolina! We had quite a few questions about her human in Louisiana, and we want everyone to know that he is doing well and is so happy that Ladybird is home,” the VBSPCA team wrote on Facebook.
After all the hardships and uncertainty, the pair finally returned to a sense of normalcy — all thanks to a network of compassionate people who acted purely out of love for animals.