Pulling into a San Bernardino, California drive-thru for a quick treat, Jaina and Ivy Spagis were expecting nothing more than coffee and a snack.
Suddenly, a large gray and white dog bolted in front of their car. Her tail was tightly tucked, her body rigid, radiating fear and uncertainty.
The couple immediately noticed something peculiar dangling from her neck. At first glance, it looked like a pair of pants loosely tied around her collar.
Cautious Trust Slowly Builds
As founders of Cats of San Bernardino, Jaina and Ivy were no strangers to helping animals in need.
They approached the frightened dog with careful, deliberate movements, immediately struck by the sadness reflected in her eyes.
The dog, later named Bette Davis, scanned the surroundings anxiously, searching for any familiar face.
Bette hesitated as the couple drew closer, her tail still tucked and her body retreating slightly. Fear and the desire for comfort warred visibly in her posture. Jaina and Ivy spoke softly, their voices gentle, coaxing her with reassurance.
Gradually, Bette allowed them near. When Jaina knelt and extended a hand, Bette responded with a tentative lick.
Feeling safe, she rolled onto her back, exposing herself fully, asking silently for affection and protection.
She drank in the warmth and attention, clearly longing for the care they were offering.
Care And Comfort Begin
The couple guided Bette to a secure spot, stroking her head gently while offering a whipped cream treat.
As she licked her Puppuccino, they examined the item around her neck, realizing it was a sweatshirt, not pants. Once she finished, Bette hopped willingly into their car.
They took her to a veterinarian for a thorough check-up.
A microchip scan revealed some clues about her past, and they called the number listed, hoping for a reunion with a previous owner. The response was devastating.
“We were able to contact the owner today and found out that he moved away and couldn’t take her. We asked if he wanted her back, and he said, ‘No,’” Cats of San Bernardino wrote on Instagram.
Seeing Bette’s soft blue eyes filled with hope and trust, Jaina and Ivy knew they could not leave her behind.
A Home And A Future In The Making
The couple vowed to find Bette a home where she would never face abandonment again. Since their facility primarily cared for cats, they arranged a foster placement to provide immediate care.
Over the week, Bette received love and attention while Jaina and Ivy prepared a permanent space for her at the rescue.
When Bette returned to the facility, her excitement was evident. Her eyes shone, her tail wagged with unrestrained joy.
Though a forever home has not yet been found, her story has drawn considerable interest.
Her rescuers are confident it’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her value and offers the unwavering love she deserves.
Bette Davis is now poised to begin a new chapter with a family who will never leave her behind.