The job of a rescuer, though rewarding, has its heartbreaking sides, too.
You never know when you’re about to stumble upon a dog that’s been abandoned, neglected, or simply unwanted. Yet, when that moment arrives, you still have to gather your composure and strive to do the right thing.
Roxie, a sweet, black Lab mix, was one such case.
After being lost in the fires in LA, California, kind rescuers managed to contact her family. Their reaction, however, stunned everyone.
She Had A Home, But…
The Hope For Paws team in California received a heartbreaking message from a woman named Marisol. She informed the rescuers that she had found Roxie not too far from the area devastated by the fires and that she was homeless.
The team immediately rushed to the scene.
Upon picking up the dog, they realized Roxie was microchipped. They checked her for potential injuries but Roxie had none. Then, they brought the dog to the facility. Given the fact that her coat was so dirty, the rescuers gave her a nice, warm bath.
“She was so dirty, and I suspected she may have escaped the fire area. Before leaving the location, I scanned her for a microchip right away, and sure enough, she had one,” HFP wrote in the post.
In the meantime, the medical team had another task. They scanned Roxie’s microchip and got in contact with her original owners.
This was the moment everyone at the rescue had been waiting for with excitement. However, the response from Roxie’s owners was far from expected. They told the team that they didn’t want Roxie back – at all.
Just like that, this sweet Lab girl became permanently homeless.
Instead of returning safely to her family, Roxie’s situation became uncertain.
She went from family pup to shelter dog in just a day and it was heartbreaking. Yet, Roxie never lost hope and her cheerful spirit.
She Hopes To Find A Forever Home
Thanks to their partnering organization, Maison Sûre, Roxie, now Stella, was admitted into a nice environment.
She definitely has the manners of a family dog, as Stella gets along with absolutely everyone.
“Stella is ready to find a forever home or a foster family to shower her with love,” Maison Sûre rescue wrote on Instagram.
Stella is already in the autumn of her life, which is why she has arthritis, but even that doesn’t stop her from being one of the shelter’s active dogs.
She loves both chasing a ball and cuddles.
“Though she has a bit of arthritis (as wise pups do!), she still loves to run, play, and chase after her favorite tennis balls. She’s a perfect mix of playful and cuddly—a loyal friend who just wants a safe, loving place to call home,” the rescue concluded.
Stella lost her home at no fault of her own, but she definitely has plenty more to offer. Once her perfect family shows up, there’s no doubt that Stella will make an excellent companion.
Until then, she will enjoy the company of her kind caregivers.
Good luck, Stella!