Rescuing a dog is always a wonderful act of kindness, but rescuing one on the brink of death feels even more extraordinary. The joy of giving them shelter, love, and a second chance is an indescribable feeling that only true dog lovers know.
Sadly, not every pup gets that chance. Many fight silently, hoping for a miracle. And only a few win that battle.
Pumpkin is one of those rare stories of survival. This sweet Pittie started life in the harshest way, but fate led her to the right people—and it changed everything.
Pumpkin – The Fighter
Tre and Alicia, a couple from Grant Circle in Petworth, Washington D.C., have always had a deep love for animals.
One day, friends of theirs mentioned a tiny Pittie puppy who had wandered into their backyard, weak and starving. Tre and Alicia immediately knew they had to step in.
“The loving, human part of you kicks in where you have compassion for this animal who’s going through this challenge,” Tre told The Dodo.
The little puppy was malnourished, frail, and struggling to survive. Her tummy was bloated, and her frame was so thin that a vet later said she likely would not have lasted much longer without intervention.
Her odd shape reminded her rescuers of a small pumpkin—so the name stuck!
But behind the weak body was a determined spirit. With Tre and Alicia by her side, Pumpkin finally had the care and love she needed to recover.
Cuddling Her Way Through Life
From the very start, Pumpkin showed her spunky, silly personality. Despite her rough beginning, she was full of life, eager to play, and most of all—she adored cuddling.
“She’s like a big dog in a small dog’s body. She always sits in my lap or right next to me. She tries to sleep on top of my computer,” Alicia shared.
Pumpkin never outgrew her favorite spot—her mom’s lap. Even as she grew, her love for snuggles never faded.
At home, she also had to meet her new sister, Laila, the family’s older dog who was known to be selective about canine companions. To everyone’s surprise, Pumpkin won her over immediately.
Within hours, the two were curled up on the couch together, inseparable.
“Laila is picky about whatever dog she likes. But within hours, they were sleeping on the same couch. She would nip Laila and she would bite her ankles and Laila would just be so patient with her,” said Alicia.
The Princess In Her Own Little Family
As time passed, Pumpkin blossomed into the heart of the family. When Tre and Alicia later welcomed a baby girl, Pumpkin revealed an even softer side.
She quickly became the baby’s best friend and constant companion. Whether it was naptime, playtime, or family walks, Pumpkin was always right there—watching over her and showering her with love.
Today, Pumpkin enjoys a life full of joy, snuggles, and adventures. She travels with her family, cuddles at every opportunity, and continues to be the silly, affectionate girl she has always been.
Once a starving puppy with only days to live, Pumpkin is now a beloved family princess who fills every moment with warmth. All thanks to the compassion of two humans who saw her worth and gave her the life she deserved.