What do you do when you see a pet being discarded? It’s painful to even think about the fear and confusion these animals must feel when they realize they’ve been abandoned.
Yet, some compassionate people manage to stay calm and take the right steps. One such person, Kaytleen Robertson, an Uber driver in Lamar County, Mississippi, showed true kindness after spotting a small crate left on the side of the road with a startling surprise inside.
Rather than continuing her drive, she pulled over without hesitation and chose to help.
Left Behind Ahead of a Storm
Even with a passenger riding with her, Kaytleen couldn’t ignore what she saw. She parked and took a closer look and found a tiny dog, left alone in a crate.
Knowing a storm was on the way, Kaytleen refused to leave the dog there in such a terrible state. She brought her into the car and took her home. Hoping a rescue would respond, she shared a photo on Facebook.
“I just saw this sweet baby on the side of the road. Can anyone take it? It’s starting to rain too,” she wrote.
Luckily, help arrived quickly. Tamara Huff, the director of Hub City Humane Society, saw the post and was heartbroken. The fact that the dog was still wearing a collar made it even worse.
“This poor dog was dumped in a kennel in an area with no people around, with a collar still attached — a heartbreaking sign that he once had a home. Alone, scared, and confused, he waited for someone to notice him, not understanding why he had been left behind,” the Mississippi rescue wrote on Facebook.
Tamara knew earning the pup’s trust would take time, but she didn’t hesitate. The dog, now named Rocky Road, was welcomed into the shelter.
Looking Ahead to a New Beginning
Rocky Road was given everything she needed by Tamara and the rescue team. She quickly made friends and was treated with care, though it took time for her to adjust.
Because of what she’d endured, Rocky struggled to trust people. She hid away in corners and avoided interaction. When staff members approached, she would shake in fear.
The team remained patient. With gentle encouragement, soft voices, and tasty treats, they worked to help her feel safe.
Within a week, Rocky began to change. She turned into a loving pup, wagging her tail and doing her playful little stomps.
Now, she craves attention, cuddles, and lap time.
Though she’s still learning how to be around people and dogs, the Mississippi rescue reminds future adopters there are more pups just like her waiting.
“This sweet puppy will be available for adoption in a few weeks, but in the meantime, we have TONS of puppies just like her waiting for their forever homes,” the rescue concludes.
Fingers crossed that Rocky Road and her shelter pals find the families they’ve been hoping for.