Few things can compare to the joy of saving a dog in need.
You see a pup, you embrace it, and as a final act of kindness, you welcome it into your loving home. Truly precious!
However, saving a dog isn’t only a rewarding experience. It can also impact lives in unexpected ways.
One Georgia couple shares how their “unexpected rescue mission” on their second date changed the course of their entire relationship. What started as casual dating took a drastic turn, thanks to a Pittie mix, which ultimately led to their wedding.
Fast forward three years, and the couple and the dog, named Fiona, are still thriving.
This is their story!
From Fateful Encounter To Love Story
Keb Rogers and Kiana Richards agreed to meet for a hike a few days after their first lunch date. Little did they know that their second date at Buford Dam Park in Gwinnett County, Georgia, would change their lives forever!
During the scenic hike, the couple stumbled upon a little puppy who seemed to be lost. She was in bad condition and had fleas all over her body, which made the couple act promptly.
“Three years ago, on our second date, we found an abandoned puppy at a park. She was covered in fleas and had parvo. We didn’t think she would make it,” the couple stated in a TikTok post.
Keb took the sick pup overnight. Sadly, just hours into their encounter, Fiona started vomiting and having stomach problems. Keb and Kiana stayed in touch the whole night. The next morning, he took her to the vet, only to receive heartbreaking news.
Fiona was diagnosed with parvo, making her treatment extremely expensive. On top of everything, she didn’t have a microchip, meaning that Fiona was, indeed, a stray dog.
Fortunately, Kiana had a plan. Working as a volunteer at a local shelter, she and Keb arranged Fiona’s transport to the facility, from where she was taken by the staff.
Their joint efforts turned into real affection for each other, and soon enough, the couple was inseparable.
“During the fight to save her life, we saw the best in each other despite practically being strangers. This sick puppy, Fiona, became the foundation of our love story,” the couple continues.
Fiona eventually got better.
After the treatment, she arrived at Keb’s home, first as a foster, and then as a permanent member of the family.
Thanks to Fiona, a spark developed between her rescuers, ultimately leading to their wedding three years later.
Still Thriving
Today, Fiona is a proud member of Keb and Kiana’s family, alongside her furry sibling.
She eventually grew into a sweet, dazzling dog who keeps reminding her parents of their love. She is a wonderful companion and a happy-go-lucky pup everyone would be happy to have around!
Three years later, she is silly, sweet, smart, playful, happy, healthy, and thriving,” Keb and Kiana say.
One thing is for sure: if it weren’t for Fiona, Keb and Kiana’s lives would be significantly different today. But, here they are, all three of them, happier than ever!
“We don’t know what our lives would be like without Fiona. We love her to bits and pieces, even when she drives us bonkers,” they say.