Across the world, many animals find themselves abandoned due to traits they cannot control. Whether it’s a lack of patience from their owners or physical deformities, these creatures are often left behind, cast aside as if they don’t deserve love.
However, there are kind-hearted individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for these “forgotten animals,” making sure they are not left alone. These people are a beacon of hope for animals who otherwise have little chance of survival.
The statistics on this issue are staggering. According to PETA, millions of animals enter shelters every year in the U.S. alone. This number is shocking, especially when you realize that over 6 million dogs and cats end up in shelters across the country each year. “Every year in the U.S., more than 6 million lost, abandoned, or unwanted dogs and cats enter animal shelters.”
Angela Adan is one such person who goes above and beyond for these animals. Angela, from Tehachapi, California, has dedicated her life to rescuing animals in need. Though her work is rewarding, it is not without its emotional challenges. Over time, seeing so many abused and abandoned animals has made it hard for her to get emotional, but recently, one little dog changed that.
In a rare moment of deep emotion, Angela found herself shedding tears over a special Chihuahua. She had received a call about a dog in desperate need of help and immediately got in her car to drive four hours to the rescue.
When Angela arrived and met the Chihuahua, she had no idea just how dire the situation was. Wrapped in a cloth, the tiny dog appeared fragile and deformed. As she uncovered the dog, she realized why it had been abandoned. The little dog had severe deformities, leaving its body misshapen and trembling.
A quick look at the Chihuahua revealed the extent of its health issues. Its eyes bulged unnaturally from its head, and an overabundance of teeth made it almost impossible for the dog to open or close its mouth. To make matters worse, its front paws were splayed awkwardly, preventing it from walking properly.
It was what happened next that overwhelmed Angela with emotion.
As she gently stroked the dog’s frail body, the Chihuahua lifted its head and weakly licked her face. Angela realized in that moment that the little dog was expressing gratitude for the kindness she had shown. Tears began to stream down her face, as she knew this poor creature had been through so much pain.
Angela understood that sending this dog to a regular shelter would be its end. With so many health complications, it would likely never be adopted, and the shelter would have no choice but to euthanize it. Determined to change the dog’s fate, Angela made a life-changing decision.
She decided to take the Chihuahua home, giving it a second chance at life. This little dog would now become a part of Angela’s rescue family, where all her special needs animals found a loving home. Angela named the dog Freddie Mercury, likely inspired by its unique teeth, and began showering it with the love it had been denied for so long.
Angela explained why she does what she does, even knowing that many of the animals she cares for may not have long to live. “People often ask me how do I do it?” Angela said. “How can you foster a special needs dog knowing she could pass away at any day? The answer is simple, dogs teach me to just have fun and to be in the moment. I do my best to just enjoy this time right here, right now, and not worry about what happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow. Life is short, take breaks when you need it and just enjoy the moment you have right this second.”
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Freddie Mercury is now living in a home full of love, slowly catching up on all the care and attention she missed in her earlier years. Angela’s story reminds us of the power of compassion and the difference one person can make in an animal’s life, no matter how hopeless the situation might seem.
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