Breanna Gilliam arrived at the Yadkin County Animal Shelter one quiet morning, expecting the usual start to her day. As she approached the building, something by the sign at the driveway’s edge caught her eye.
At first, she dismissed it; the morning light was still faint, and the world felt sleepy.
Then a sharp bark pierced the air, and Gilliam froze as she realized what she was seeing.
A Shocking Discovery
She hurried closer and felt her heart sink.
“When I walked out there, the poor girl was tied to our sign. She was very scared to start with and wouldn’t come to me,” Gilliam told The Dodo.
The young dog, later named Millie, had been secured to a sign that clearly read: “Abandoning an animal is cruel and illegal. Please do not leave animals unattended at this location at any time.”
Whoever had left her had ignored the warning entirely, leaving Millie alone in the dark, terrified and bewildered.
Earning Millie’s Trust
Gilliam didn’t turn away.
She stayed close, speaking softly and patiently, letting Millie understand she was safe. Slowly, the pup began to relax, and before long, Gilliam was able to guide her inside the shelter.
To everyone’s surprise, Millie was in excellent condition. Despite her abandonment, she was clean, calm, and clearly had been cared for before being left behind.
“She definitely appeared to be an indoor dog by the looks of it. Very potty trained and calm and had such a sweet and submissive demeanor,” Gilliam said.
Finding Her Forever Home
Millie’s gentle nature and good health made it clear she wouldn’t wait long for a family.
The shelter shared her story on social media, hoping it would reach someone special.
Their hope was rewarded when a woman named Kathy Culler saw Millie and felt an immediate connection.
“I had seen their Facebook post about her being abandoned and left tied to their sign, and it literally brought me to tears. Something about her face and her eyes really reached into my soul. I immediately reached out to them about adopting her,” Culler said.
Culler had recently lost a beloved rescue dog and recognized in Millie the chance to open her heart again.
A meeting was arranged, and the instant they saw each other, the bond was undeniable. Millie’s long wait was finally over.
“As soon as we got in the car, she made her way into my lap for the ride home, and as we passed the sign that she had been tied to, I promised her she would never be abandoned again,” Culler said.
A Life Full of Love
Now, Millie is flourishing in her new home. She enjoys the love of devoted humans and the companionship of furry siblings.
Her days are filled with comfort, affection, and endless cuddles. Life has never felt sweeter.“I can’t understand why anyone would abandon her. Someone else’s loss was definitely our gain,” Culler concluded.