Florida Dog Was Abandoned Skin And Bones, But Her Reaction To One Man Left Her Rescuer Stunned
A Florida community rallied to save a terrified, abandoned dog who had never known the comfort of living indoors.
A Community on the Lookout
When Scarlet was first found, her condition was nothing short of heartbreaking. The sweet dog was just skin and bones, struggling to get around with a bum leg.
It was immediately clear to her rescuers that she had not been cared for, but getting her to safety would prove to be a massive challenge.
Scarlet’s photo began circulating all over community Facebook pages as a lost dog. However, locals quickly realized that the terrified pup had actually been abandoned.
The narrator and a majority of the community spent days searching for her. They scoured the area at all hours of the day, hoping to bring the frightened dog to safety.
Ten Days on the Run
For a week and a half, Scarlet evaded everyone who tried to help her. She was terrified and constantly running from anyone who approached.
Finally, a friend of the narrator managed to secure her after 10 exhausting days.
Using a slip lead, some food, and a squeaky toy, she gently coaxed the exhausted dog into her care.
With a soft, “It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you,” Scarlet’s life on the streets finally came to an end.
Uncovering a Heartbreaking Past
The first stop for Scarlet was the veterinarian’s office. Rescuers hoped to find a microchip that might explain where she came from, but she didn’t have one.
Based on her condition, her rescuers formed a tragic theory about her past.
They believe she was used to have puppies for profit, only to be kicked to the curb once she was no longer needed.
“I can only imagine what this dog has endured,” her rescuer noted.
The Scars of Life on Concrete
Scarlet carried physical evidence of a life spent in neglect. The backs of her legs were covered in rough patches.
This is a common ailment for dogs forced to lay on concrete for extended periods of time.
For a dog who was only two years old, these calluses painted a grim picture of her early life.
She had aged physically far beyond her two short years.
Learning How to Be an Inside Dog
The transition to a loving home was overwhelming for Scarlet. Her rescuers suspect she had never been allowed indoors before her rescue.
Right off the bat, she didn’t know how to act inside a house.
She was incredibly nervous just walking around the unfamiliar indoor environment.
Everything from the flooring to the soft beds was a completely new experience for her.
A Beautiful Bond Built on Trust
Despite her fears, Scarlet slowly began to realize she was finally safe. Over the next five months, she formed a deep connection with her new family.
Her rescuer describes their bond as being built entirely on trust.
Scarlet frequently looks to her for guidance, relying on her to show her where she needs to go.
Slowly but surely, the terrified stray transformed into a dog who loved giving kisses.
An Unexpected Connection
While Scarlet’s trust in her rescuer was beautiful, her reaction to the rescuer’s husband was truly mind-blowing.
Right off the bat, the timid dog bonded with him.
This connection was incredibly surprising, as Scarlet is known to be very fearful and timid around men.
Her rescuer still can’t quite make sense of how quickly she attached to him despite her deep-rooted fears.
Living Proof of Second Chances
Today, Scarlet is thriving in a way no one could have predicted when she was first found skin and bones.
She has revealed herself to be a smart, goofy, and highly intelligent companion.
Her family is incredibly proud of the resilience she has shown in just a few short months.
As her rescuer perfectly puts it, Scarlet is living proof of second chances.
