Most dog owners wouldn’t expect their pet to have a secret admirer, but one couple in Vermont found themselves in that exact situation.
They adopted Myrtle, an American Pit Bull Terrier, from the Humane Society of Chittenden County. Before that, she was known as Angel and had been rescued by Baldwin County Animal Control & Services in Georgia during a cruelty investigation.
At the time of her rescue, Myrtle weighed just 25 pounds and needed significant medical attention and emotional healing.
Her scars remain as evidence of her painful past, but today, she’s surrounded by love from the people who gave her a second chance.
A Mysterious Package Arrives Without Explanation
One day, Myrtle’s owners received a package with no note or return address.
Puzzled, they opened it and discovered two chew toys, a bag of chicken, and waffle-flavored dog treats. Clearly, the items were meant for Myrtle, but who sent them?
Jessica Sattelberger and her boyfriend had adopted Myrtle in June after fostering her, so they assumed the gifts were for her.
“We were extremely confused,” Jessica told The Dodo. Initially, they suspected Jessica’s sister, who often sent gifts, but she denied it.
More packages followed, each one delighting Myrtle, while Jessica and Adam remained unsure of the sender’s identity.
Myrtle And ‘Uncle Bill’
The person behind the gifts turned out to be someone completely unexpected. It was the father of one of Adam’s old high school friends.
“We figured it out after one of his sons had told Adam that their dad had asked for our address,” Jessica told The Dodo.
The twist? They didn’t actually know the man. Adam had met him briefly years ago, and they hadn’t spoken since.
Eventually, they realized he was following Myrtle’s Instagram account and had become fond of her.
“Eventually he started writing, ‘Love, Uncle Bill’ on the packages. The whole thing’s incredible,” said Jessica.
“Part of me wonders if it’s just her story that really touched his heart. We were making lots of videos about her and just showing how scared she was and how she was making strides, so maybe the gifts were a ‘you’re doing great’ bit of encouragement,” wondered Jessica.
Uncle Bill never explained why he kept sending gifts, but his kindness couldn’t have been directed at a more deserving dog.
Myrtle’s Past And Her Transformation
Today, Myrtle is thriving with her adoptive family, but her early days were filled with hardship. “She was in HORRIBLE shape upon intake (…) we think she was used as a fight dog,” said Jessica.
Given her background, it’s no wonder she was initially terrified of everything. “She would hide in her crate and laundry baskets in the closet. She wouldn’t go on walks either. She would just freeze the second we got her outside,” Jessica and Adam said.
Each small step forward felt monumental, and they never gave up on her.
Thanks to dedicated trainers, their love, and persistence, Myrtle transformed into a joyful dog who now enjoys walks, playtime, and human companionship.
“At the end of the day, we love that a semi-stranger has found a special place in his heart for a pit bull who was abused and neglected,” Jessica said.
Uncle Bill’s generosity stands as a quiet but powerful example of compassion.
You can follow Myrtle’s journey on Instagram a @myrtlethemagicaldog.
