Why is it that the animals who crave love the most often end up suffering? That thought crosses my mind every time I see a dog heartlessly abandoned.
I found myself thinking the same thing the first time I saw Lucha. She was a sweet dog in a truly painful situation.
She had nothing but kindness in her, yet she was left behind in a Texas park and was practically begging someone to save her. Sadly, what she got was worse—within days, she was marked for euthanasia.
She Was Alone And Ignored
When Lucha was discovered in a Houston, Texas park, she seemed like a lost cause. This Staffordshire Terrier mix had no fur and was in serious need of help.
She was taken to BARC Animal Shelter, where everyone hoped things would turn around for her. But that didn’t happen.
Instead of being given a second shot, Lucha was constantly passed over because of her appearance. No one wanted her, and she remained stuck behind kennel bars, watching everyone walk past her.
“Lucha came into the shelter after she was found at a park where dogs are dumped often. After stray hold she moved to the adoption floor but because of her skin, she’ll be passed up by most adopters,” the TikTok video reads.
Just when it seemed like all hope was gone, a volunteer named Bri came by. She comforted Lucha and even brought her cozy green pajamas. Saying Lucha loved them would be putting it mildly; she was thrilled.
Lucha greeted Bri at the kennel with her paws stretched out, as if she already knew she was there to help.
And she was right.
Over the following days, Bri spent lots of time with Lucha.
“She’s incredibly sweet, she let me put pjs on her with no issues. She won’t walk on a leash but that’s such an easy fix. A little time in a peaceful safe home and Lucha will be a completely different dog,” Bri stated in an update post.
Then, Bri, who runs the popular @bristexastails account on TikTok and Instagram, posted Lucha’s story, hoping to save her before it was too late. And just days later, everything changed.
A Ray Of Hope
Bri’s video touched thousands, but more importantly, it helped Lucha find a foster home in time.
The New York rescue Strong Paws Rescue saw her story and stepped up. They contacted the shelter right away, determined to help—and that’s exactly what they did.
Lucha is now safe in a foster home, surrounded by people who value her for the sweet, gentle pup she is. Once she fully recovers, she’ll be ready for new adventures.
Thanks to Bri, Lucha finally has the future she deserves. After all the heartbreak she has faced, she’s finally getting her chance at happiness.