On a chilly, rainy day in North Carolina, a forlorn dog stood outside a convenience store, seemingly having lost hope of finding shelter.
However, help was on the way, as Valinda Cortez happened upon the scene during her Sunday morning errand. Despite being clad in just pajamas and flip-flops, she couldn’t ignore the sight.
“As I got out of the car, my heart dropped,” Cortez shared with The Dodo. “This poor pup had been left out in the rain and cold for far too long. She was freezing.” Cortez immediately suspected that the dog had been abandoned.
Though clearly frightened, the dog remained still as Cortez gently draped a blanket over her and extended a comforting hand. Determined to offer solace, Cortez stayed by the dog’s side for over an hour, slowly gaining her trust.
“The dog’s fur was waterlogged and tangled,” Cortez recalled. “Her front leg bore a cut, and her eyes were obviously in poor health. My heart was breaking.” Uncertain of her next steps, she decided to seek assistance.
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<p>Cortez called her friend Sue Massi, a fellow animal rescue volunteer, for help. Massi arrived within 20 minutes, joined by an animal control officer from Buncombe County. Together, they coaxed the dog into a car and took her to a nearby shelter.</p>
<p>Cortez expressed hope that her acts of kindness—a warm blanket, food, and love—could help restore the dog’s faith in humanity.</p>
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<p>Just days later, the dog, now named Cassie, began showing signs of recovery and even managed a smile. Once cleaned up, she looked like a completely different animal.</p>
<p>“The transformation is incredible,” Cortez remarked. “Seeing her happy brings me so much joy.”</p>
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