When Breanna Gilliam arrived early one morning for work at the Yadkin County Animal Shelter, she expected just another ordinary day.
As she made her way in, she noticed something unusual near the sign posted at the end of the driveway. At first, she brushed it off — it was early, and the light was dim.
But then, she heard barking. And once she looked closer, she immediately realized what was happening.
You’re Safe Now, Sweet Girl
When Gilliam approached, her heart sank.
“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 pup, now named Millie, had been left tied to a sign that specifically warned against such actions. It read: ‘Abandoning an animal is cruel and illegal. Please do not leave animals unattended at this location at any time.’
Tragically, the person who left Millie behind had ignored that very message, leaving her alone and frightened in the dark.
Fortunately, Gilliam didn’t give up on her. After patiently spending time with the timid pup, she gained her trust and safely brought her inside.
It wasn’t long before Gilliam realized something else — Millie was in excellent shape. She was clean, calm, and clearly cared for before being abandoned.
“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.
A Perfect Ending
Given Millie’s good health and sweet nature, the shelter staff knew she wouldn’t need to stay long. They quickly shared her story on social media, hoping to find her a home.
And it worked — Millie captured someone’s heart almost immediately.
“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,” said Kathy Culler, Millie’s new mom.
Culler had recently suffered the loss of her beloved rescue dog, and when she saw Millie, she felt it was the right time to open her heart again.
The shelter arranged a meet and greet — and from the moment the two saw each other in the hallway, it was clear they were meant to be.
Millie had finally found the home she deserved.
“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.
Today, Millie is thriving in her new life. Surrounded by loving humans and furry siblings, she spends her days playing, cuddling, and receiving endless affection.
Could life get any sweeter?
“I can’t understand why anyone would abandon her. Someone else’s loss was definitely our gain,” Culler concluded.