It’s often said that a true friend is there when everyone else walks away, and Kelly’s story perfectly embodies this timeless saying.
Kelly, a brave dog, didn’t have an easy start in life. She spent her days wandering the vast Utah salt flats, struggling to find shelter and food. She had never known kindness or comfort, and survival was her daily challenge.
But one evening, a compassionate man named Matt spotted her. The moment he saw her, he knew he couldn’t walk away.
From Salt Flats To A Loving Home
Matt Bentley found Kelly while off-roading in Utah. When he discovered her, she was in a very poor condition.
She was extremely weak, starving, and her skin covered in painful scabs. Kelly was barely hanging on, and Matt immediately understood she needed urgent help.
“You could tell she was just famished,” Matt told The Dodo.
Matt approached her cautiously, expecting her to run. But instead, Kelly greeted him with open paws, eagerly jumping into his vehicle as though she had been waiting for rescue all along.
Without wasting a moment, Matt took her to a nearby animal hospital for immediate care.
Kelly was soon transferred to the Utah Animal Adoption Center (UAAC), where her treatment continued.
The staff discovered her mange was severe, and her inflamed skin required ongoing medical attention. From the start, it was clear Kelly would need weeks of care to recover fully.
A New Beginning
Despite her frail condition, Kelly’s personality began to shine through. She was gentle, loving, and remarkably resilient. The staff at UAAC instantly fell in love with her.
One volunteer, Jamie Jacques, and her daughter were moved by Kelly’s story and knew they wanted to meet her. They immediately felt a connection and applied to adopt her.
By the time Jamie’s application was approved, Kelly had already begun showing signs of recovery. In just a few weeks, her fur started to grow back, and her playful, confident nature emerged.
Eager to leave the shelter, Kelly soon found her forever family with Jamie’s household.
The family had a Goldendoodle named Rocky, and the two dogs instantly bonded. Rocky showered Kelly with affection, and Kelly responded with joy and excitement.
“From the minute we opened the front door, she just fit in right away,” said Jamie.
A Heartwarming Reunion
Over a year after Kelly’s rescue, she was reunited with Matt, the man who saved her life. Jamie and her family organized the meeting to properly thank Matt for giving Kelly a second chance.
When Kelly saw Matt, she joyfully ran into his arms, showing her gratitude in her own way. Matt was overjoyed to know that Kelly had found the safe, loving home she deserved.
Kelly has adjusted beautifully to her new life. She and Rocky share daily adventures, exploring the world around them, playing, and enjoying every moment together.
The family recently moved from Utah to a mountain home in Wyoming, opening up new possibilities for hiking and exciting experiences. Kelly embraces each day with courage and joy, fully living the life of a beloved family member.
Unfortunately, Kelly developed SARDS, a condition that caused total blindness. However, she continues to thrive and face each day with resilience.
“She does the stairs like a boss and now sometimes even jumps up on the window sill when daddy gets home from work with her tail wagging as soon as she hears him,” her parents shared.
Throughout her journey, Kelly has shown incredible strength. She faces every obstacle with courage and a joyful spirit, teaching her family to appreciate life and cherish every moment.
You can follow her adventures on the Adventures of Kelly and Rocky Facebook page!