When we welcome dogs into our lives, we make an unspoken promise — to love them and care for them for as long as they live. Surrounded by that love, our loyal companions grow into happy, confident pups.
That’s why it’s heartbreaking to hear of more and more owners abandoning their dogs in dangerous places, without a thought for what might happen to them.
Left confused and alone, these faithful pets believe their wait is only temporary — that their family will come back for them.
Ribbles, a gentle and loyal pup, clung to that same hope after her owners dumped her by the railway. Risking her life each day, she waited for the familiar faces she loved so much to return.
But how long could she keep waiting? And would her happy ending ever arrive?
Still Hoping Her Family Would Come Back
Abandoned along train tracks in Southern California, Ribbles stayed rooted to the spot, convinced her family would return to bring her home.
She didn’t seem to notice the danger she was in — or perhaps she simply didn’t care. In her mind, the risk was worth it if it meant being reunited with her people.
Days turned into weeks, and although her hope began to fade, Ribbles refused to leave. Her longing for her parents outweighed everything else.
Then, one day, a kind passerby spotted her darting out of the path of an oncoming train. Relieved that the pup had survived, the woman tried to catch her but failed.
Not wanting to leave her there, she called Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy, to alert her to the dangerous situation.
A Race Against Time
Hall wasted no time. She jumped in her car and drove straight to the tracks, where she spotted Ribbles.
During the rescue attempt, a train passed by five times. Each time, the pup bolted into a small hole in the fence nearby.
Investigating, Hall discovered that the hole led to a local car dealership. Staff there told her they had been feeding the abandoned dog daily and letting her sleep on the property.
Grateful for their kindness, Hall asked if she could set up a humane trap. She placed food inside a crate, then stepped back to give Ribbles space.
Seeing that the wary pup wouldn’t approach while she was there, Hall decided to try again the following morning.
When she returned, she spotted movement on the tracks — her heart sank, fearing the worst. Rushing over, she realized it was just a pair of coyotes scavenging for food.
Checking the trap, she finally saw what she’d been hoping for: Ribbles was inside, safe at last.
Hall brought her straight to a pet hospital in Irvine, California, where vets discovered she had a severe ear infection, along with a swollen elbow and leg.
It broke Hall’s heart knowing Ribbles had endured such pain alone, all while braving life on the train tracks and the constant threat of coyotes.
Her loyalty and love for her family had been stronger than her fear.
A New Beginning
Once fully healed, the sweet pup with soulful eyes found the forever family she truly deserved.
The moment they saw her, her new parents fell completely in love. They knew instantly that she was meant to be theirs.
Renamed Lucy, she now lives in Joshua Tree, enjoying endless love and care. She even has a dog sister, and the pair happily go hiking together with their family.
It’s heartwarming to know that Lucy has finally found her place under the sun — a life filled with the love and security she always longed for.
Sadly, many dogs are still abandoned in dangerous places. If you ever see a stray, please reach out to your local shelter or rescue. Together, we can make sure more dogs know they are never truly alone.