A Christmas Eve Rescue

On Christmas Eve, while many families were gathered around the tree, one Facebook post changed everything. A man had discovered two abandoned dogs shivering in a ditch near his home. Their bodies were frail, their eyes desperate, their future uncertain. He begged for help online — and that’s when Lainey and Frankie’s story began.

Despite holiday travel plans, one family couldn’t ignore the plea. They rushed to bring the dogs into their home, determined to give them warmth, safety, and hope. For the next 36 hours, they held their breath until the vet clinic opened, terrified that Lainey — covered in sores and fighting severe infections — might not survive the night.

Against All Odds

Lainey’s condition was heartbreaking. Her skin was raw and swollen, her fur nearly gone, and her body emitted the smell of infection. But beneath the pain was a spark waiting to shine.

With antibiotics, ivermectin, medicated baths twice a week, and lots of love, Lainey began to transform. Slowly, her coat grew back. Her eyes brightened. She discovered toys, wagged her tail, and learned what it meant to be cared for.

“For the first time, we saw her true personality,” her foster mom shared. “She was playful, goofy, and full of love. It was as if she was finally getting the chance to be the puppy she had never been allowed to be.”

A Second Chance at Family

Four months later, the stinky, swollen dog once abandoned in a ditch had become unrecognizable. She was now a healthy, vibrant pup ready for adoption.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. A family friend, Kelly, had been quietly following Lainey’s recovery through photos and posts. After losing her senior dog months earlier, she had been searching for the right companion — and she knew instantly Lainey was the one.

With her husband, Larry, by her side, Kelly reached out. After exchanging details, photos, and videos, their hearts were set. Lainey had found her forever home.

Thriving in Love

Today, Lainey lives the life every dog deserves. She naps on soft blankets, runs in wide open fields, and spends evenings curled on the couch with Kelly and Larry. Her story is proof that with just a little love, even the saddest beginnings can blossom into joyful endings.

Frankie, her ditch-mate, also found a safe foster home and is thriving — another happy reminder of the power of rescue.