Most people do not expect their dog to have a secret admirer, yet one couple in Vermont learned that their pup had quietly won someone’s heart long before they knew it.
They adopted Myrtle, an American Pit Bull Terrier, through the Humane Society of Chittenden County.
Earlier in her life, she had been known as Angel and was rescued in Georgia by Baldwin County Animal Control & Services during a cruelty investigation.
When she was first found, Myrtle weighed only twenty five pounds and needed significant medical attention as well as time to heal emotionally. The marks of her past remain visible on her body, but her present is filled with the love and care of the family who chose her.
A Package With No Clues
One afternoon, a box appeared at their home without a single note or any hint about who had sent it.
Curious, they opened it and found a pair of chew toys along with chicken and waffle-flavored treats. Everything inside was clearly intended for Myrtle, yet the mystery remained.
Jessica Sattelberger and her boyfriend had adopted Myrtle after fostering her, so it made sense to assume the gifts were meant for her.
“We were extremely confused,” Jessica told The Dodo. Initially, they suspected Jessica’s sister, who often sent gifts, but she denied it.
Then more boxes arrived. Myrtle celebrated each delivery while Jessica and Adam kept wondering who kept sending them.
The Man Behind The Surprises
The gift giver turned out to be someone they never would have guessed. He 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 surprise was even bigger because they did not actually know him. Adam had met the man only once years earlier and had not spoken to him since.
They eventually learned that he had been following Myrtle’s Instagram account and had grown fond of her from a distance.
“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.
@thehautevegan We love Bill and our dog loves all her gifts. #truestory #doggifts ♬ original sound – Jessie Cakes
He never gave a reason for his ongoing kindness, although his generosity reached a dog who truly deserved gentle gestures.
From Fear To Confidence
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.
Considering her past, Myrtle’s early reactions were understandable. “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.
Every bit of progress felt significant, and they stayed committed to helping her grow comfortable in her new world.
With steady guidance from trainers and the unwavering support of her family, Myrtle blossomed into a cheerful dog who now loves walking, playing, and being close to people.
@thehautevegan Replying to @carlottafajina ask and you shall receive. #unclebill #dogsoftiktok #rescuedog ♬ The Home Depot Beat – The Home Depot
“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 thoughtful gifts became an unexpected reminder of the difference quiet kindness can make.
You can follow Myrtle’s journey on Instagram a@myrtlethemagicaldog.
