Every year, far too many dogs are left behind, a reality that feels heavy no matter how often it happens.
Some are abandoned in remote areas without food, water, or any kind of protection, left to face circumstances no animal should have to endure. It is especially painful knowing these are animals that give nothing but loyalty and trust in return.
Priority, a puppy from South Dakota, lived through one of those beginnings. After surviving abandonment, he later captured attention online, winning hearts with his wonderfully expressive ears.
A Mail Carrier Steps In
A normal workday took a surprising turn for a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in South Dakota. While driving along a gravel road, she spotted a tiny black and white puppy lying motionless in the heat.
She immediately left her vehicle and gathered him into her arms. He was only a few weeks old and extremely underweight.
Wanting to protect him during her remaining deliveries, she placed him in a priority box and kept him beside her in the truck. The puppy relaxed quickly and seemed grateful for the company.
Once she completed her route, she hurried him to a veterinarian. He had no major injuries but was severely dehydrated and weak. The vet confirmed that the mail carrier’s timing had likely saved his life.
With his condition stabilized, a nearby shelter contacted Ruff Start Rescue in Princeton to see if they could accept him. They agreed, and soon the puppy was transferred into their care.
Deeply moved by the unusual way he had been found, the rescue staff named him Priority.
Bunny Ears And A New Beginning
Ruff Start Rescue shared Priority’s story on Facebook, and it quickly reached a young girl named Frida. She instantly felt a connection. Determined to help him, she convinced her mother, Taya, to apply as his foster family.
“Frida saw the picture and really fell in love with Priority… She lobbied hard. She wrote me a couple of letters. She stayed after it. She said she was definitely gonna help out,” Taya told CBS News.
Under their care in Eagan, Priority slowly regained his strength. His weight increased, his energy returned, and his personality began to shine. His large ears and curious head tilts added to his growing charm, making him unforgettable to anyone who saw him.
Before long, he was ready to be listed for adoption. Once his photo and update appeared online, a family stepped forward immediately.
A Forever Home Filled With Joy
When Taya and Frida brought Priority to meet his new family, he made his choice clear. He ran straight into his new mom’s arms and covered her face with kisses.
He soon settled into life in the Twin Cities. His new home sat on five wooded acres, giving him plenty of space to explore.
Priority, now renamed Peppe, completed his Beginner Obedience class and impressed his new family with how quickly he picked up commands. They planned to continue his training and were even interested in trying agility with him.
Peppe also bonded with Lady, the family’s other dog.
“He and Lady are good buds, and love running around together outside and seeing what kind of critters they can chase/catch. He really is sweet, and provides some great entertainment every day,” Pepper’s family said.
Priority’s journey shows how one compassionate moment can change everything. If the mail carrier had not stopped, his story could have ended on that gravel road.
Every abandoned animal deserves the chance he received, and it takes a community of caring people to make that possible.