While driving along a busy road in Missouri, a compassionate woman noticed something odd in a wide field nearby.
In the tall grass, a black metal crate sat alone in the middle of the field.
Fearing that animals had been left behind, she pulled over and rushed over to take a closer look. As she got near the crate, the kind-hearted woman was stunned by what she found.
Fighting To Save A Life
Next to the small crate was a black dog with patchy fur, curled up on a filthy blanket.
The woman’s heart sank when she realized the dog was staying close to another dog who had already passed away.
As the surviving pup noticed the woman getting closer, she looked up with a sorrowful expression.
The woman couldn’t understand how anyone could be so cruel as to abandon the animals like this.
The dog, later named Cardi B, was in terrible shape. She could hardly move and was barely hanging on.
“Her condition is absolutely horrific. She has unbelievable hair loss from thousands of fleas,” Julie Christofferson wrote in a Facebook post.
Hoping to get the dog help, the woman shared a plea online.
One of Christofferson’s friends, Sarah Barney, saw the emotional post and knew she had to step in.
Cardi B Finally Gets The Help She Needs
Barney picked up the dog and brought her to Bootheel Animal Clinic in Sikeston, Missouri for an exam.
She frantically reached out to shelters, hoping one would be able to help Cardi B.
When Stray Rescue of St. Louis agreed to take her in, Barney brought the pup straight to their emergency clinic.
The team was heartbroken when they saw her.
They greeted Cardi B with compassion and comforted her right away.
Although she was still clearly shaken and confused, she remained gentle and calm with everyone.
After a full medical exam, the staff confirmed she hadn’t suffered any physical injuries.
They were relieved.
They suspected Cardi B had endured a tough life and explained that she dragged her back legs because of spinal problems.
Showered With The Love She Longed For
The team gave Cardi B the affection she had always needed.
To keep her engaged and moving, they helped her get outside for fresh air and used a sling to help her walk.
She was thrilled to feel the sun and enjoy a stroll. She loved sniffing around the flowers.
Her caretakers hugged her often and made sure she felt safe and seen.
To help her stay mobile, her rescuers fitted her with a wheelchair.
Cardi B seemed overjoyed to be surrounded by people who cared. Within days, her condition began to improve.
As she gained strength, her warm personality began to shine through. She cuddled up to her caregivers and soaked up their attention.
“When she’s not cruising around town, she just wants to be on a big, cushy bed. Preferably riiiiiiiight next to you. Now that she knows what getting attention is like, she wants it all the time. She is such a babe,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis wrote.
A Beautiful Change
Soon, Cardi B was welcomed into a loving foster home.
Her foster mom spoiled her with love and care. Her fur began to grow back and her health made a stunning comeback.
With her new custom wheelchair, she’s now living life to the fullest.
Despite being a senior dog, Cardi B is still full of spirit.
“Her foster says she’s been getting up on her own. When she sees a ball, she has to chase it, and she enjoys swimming. That is what it’s all about. It gives us chills,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis wrote in a Facebook post.
Thanks to the kindness of strangers, Cardi B now has the joyful life and affection she always deserved.